Chelsea urged to raid Premier League rival for perfect Enzo Fernandez replacement
Bruno Guimaraes is exactly what Chelsea need in midfield, he has the same qualities as former star Nemanja Matic.
That is the view of talkSPORT’s Inside Chelsea panel, who have tipped the west Londoners to make Newcastle’s captain one of their marquee signings to kickstart the Xabi Alonso era.
A summer of change could be on the cards at Stamford Bridge, as new boss Alonso is tasked with rebuilding the club following a disastrous season.
The Blues finished tenth in the Premier League – missing out on European football of any kind – and failed to win a trophy.
Worse still, several key players including Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are linked with moves away this summer.
talkSPORT understands Fernandez wants to leave in light of Chelsea failing to qualify for Europe, but he won’t come cheap, with the club setting a £120million price tag.
Who says Bru-no?
Recent events could pave the way for a summer of movement at Stamford Bridge, and the Inside Chelsea panel were quick to offer up suggestions as to which players could come into the club.
With Fernandez keen on a move to Real Madrid, and the Blues already short of options to partner Moises Caicedo in central midfield, this is a position where they may look to strengthen.
And there was an overwhelming favourite among talkSPORT’s panel here, who named Newcastle star Guimaraes as their top target.
The Brazilian has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since his arrival in 2022, and has regularly been linked with a move to a top club.
Kickstarting the discussion, presenter Olivia Buzaglo said: “Centre midfielders – I think we need someone alongside Moises Caicedo.
“I love Romeo Lavia, but the injury record is just getting a bit silly.
“Today I actually saw reports linking us with Bruno Guimaraes. Now that is a signing I could 100% get behind.
“Oh my gosh – that would be a serious move!”
‘Top pick’
Fellow panellist Matisse Armani was in agreement over Guimaraes, who he insisted has the all-round game that sets him apart from other sought-after Premier League midfielders.
Despite reports claiming Chelsea have no interest in the Magpies’ skipper, this didn’t stop Armani from highlighting his quality, likening him to former Blues midfielder Matic, who was central to their title successes in 2015 and 2017.
On Guimaraes, Blues superfan Armani said: “That’s my top pick.
“I know everyone’s talking about Elliot Anderson – that’s £100million. Adam Wharton [is also in demand].
“But for me, Bruno Guimaraes, he’s got that bite, that physicality, that threat from set pieces, just shooting from range.
“That is the type of personality that we’re lacking, in terms of someone that’s going to go in there and be that Nemanja Matic [figure] – that person that’s some presence.”
Armani could only see positives to this potential move, as he insisted now is the time to pursue Guimaraes after a difficult season for Newcastle, which saw them finish 12th in the Premier League.
He continued: “I would love to have him, honestly, in that midfield, and he’s Brazilian so he’s going there to help out the likes of [Andrey] Santos, link up with Joao Pedro, Estevao.
“I would love to have him and Newcastle have never had a worse season as well so that’s probably the perfect time to maybe try.”
Former Chelsea defender and talkSPORT presenter Jason Cundy was also sold on the move, who insisted it makes sense from a logistical point of view too.
He added: “And they [Newcastle] will, by all accounts, have to sell financially. I’m on board with that – that’s double thumbs up, that.”
Could Bruno Guimaraes join Chelsea?
While Guimaraes would be a tempting proposition for any top club, talkSPORT has previously reported that Newcastle do not want to sell their talismanic midfielder, who is under contract until 2028.
The 28-year-old has also been rumoured to be on Manchester United‘s shortlist of potential recruits heading into the summer.
And it isn’t hard to see why, with Guimaraes establishing himself as a fan favourite and indispensable since his £40m arrival in 2022.
Ahead of last season, the Brazil international became the Newcastle captain and later led the side to Carabao Cup glory against Liverpool.
Overall, in four years at St James’ Park, Guimaraes has scored 31 goals and assisted a further 32 in 195 appearances across all competitions.
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