Chelsea’s four-man shortlist to replace Enzo Fernandez as Newcastle transfer could begin domino effect

Chelsea have four names as potential replacements for Enzo Fernandez should he be sold to Manchester City.

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs reports the Blues are looking at Manu Kone, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Eduardo Camavinga.

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Chelsea set a deadline for the sale of Fernandez earlier this month, but that has expired.

However, the sale of Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle could trigger a series of dominos falling into place.

The Magpies and City are very close to agreeing a deal for the Spanish midfielder, with new manager Matthias Jaissle looking to strengthen his squad.

And that would leave City looking for a replacement, which would be Fernandez, but Chelsea would need another midfielder as well.

Speaking on Hawksbee and Jacobs, Ben Jacobs said: “We know that they still want Enzo Fernandez , and the money from Gonzalez, the squad space and wage space all help.

“So, Fernandez is a big story between now and the end of the window.

“But Chelsea need their valuation met, and they’ll likely need a replacement. They like Alex Scott.

“But you have this domino and Man City and Chelsea will agree a deal at the right fee.

“But if Chelsea go for a replacement and Scott isn’t for sale or Adam Wharton isn’t for sale then Manu Kone becomes an option or Camavinga, potentially, but Real Madrid didn’t get Rodri.

“So, if Chelsea run out of replacements, then they’ll [Man City] have to wait until 2027. It will be a complicated deal, but we have to keep an eye on it until the final minutes of the window.”

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The first domino

As we approach the end of the transfer window, there are several things that can happen for Man City and Chelsea.

But the first part of that involved Gonzalez departing the Etihad Stadium for St James’ Park.

Speaking about that deal, Jacobs said: “There is pretty much an agreement between Newcastle United and Manchester City for Nico Gonzalez, which is an and around £50million.

“There might be some add-ons and some final details to negotiate.

“The player has realised that he needs to go, so this was all about Newcastle being able to persuade the player because City have always been willing sellers.”

Scott interest

Any move for Scott would be a rekindling of interest from earlier in the summer.

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The midfielder has turned down a new contract from the Cherries, but the club are adamant he isn’t for sale.

And Scott started their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, demonstrating he won’t go on strike to force through a move.

Chelsea have already had one bid turned down for Scott worth £64million.

Kone’s future

Manchester United and Man City are the two most prominent teams that have been linked with Kone.

The French international impressed at the World Cup and is on a shortlist for lots of teams.

The midfielder though is expected to remain with Roma. However, that could change if Fernandez joins City.

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Camavinga and Wharton

Crystal Palace’s stance is that Adam Wharton isn’t for sale this summer with Chelsea, Man United and Man City all being linked with him.

But City have been urged to make a move for Wharton over Fernandez, with talkSPORT’s Ally McCoist saying: “I like him [Wharton] a lot…

“I think Wharton is more like Rodri than Fernandez is, I don’t think they’re going to get like-for-like now Rodri’s left, he’s the best at what he does.

“But I think you’d make a case that Wharton [is more like Rodri].

“The ball comes to him and the first thing he does is look forward, I really like him, I think he’d be an excellent signing.”

Meanwhile, Camavinga has been informed by Jose Mourinho that he is the last choice in terms of midfielders at Real Madrid.

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That is according to reports in Spain, but they also report that he will get chances.

So, it remains to be seen if he decides to stick around.