Chelsea consider signing £70m Man Utd transfer target to replace Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea are ready to rival Manchester United for one of their key summer targets amid speculation Enzo Fernandez could leave Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez has repeatedly raised doubt over his future in west London since Chelsea’s embarrassing Champions League exit at the hands of PSG.

Speaking immediately after Chelsea were beaten 8-2 on aggregate, Fernandez said he ‘did not know’ if he would still be at the club next season.

Meanwhile, last week the Argentine World Cup winner said he would ‘see’ after the World Cup when asked about his future at Chelsea.

In another not-so-subtle transfer hint, Fernandez admitted earlier this week that he would ‘like’ to live in Madrid amid speculation of a summer move to La Liga giants Real.

Real Madrid are planning to sign a new midfielder this summer and have identified Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri as two top targets.

Chelsea once viewed Fernandez as an untouchable member of the squad but that stance has softened in recent months.

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the team since his sensational £107m move from Benfica in 2023, playing over 50 games in each of the last two seasons.

But Chelsea have not ruled out selling Fernandez, especially as he continues to fuel speculation over a move rather than commit his long-term future to the club.

As a result Chelsea have started looking at possible replacements and, according to the Daily Mail, are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace and England star Adam Wharton.

It is claimed Chelsea have asked to be kept informed on Wharton’s movements ahead of the summer transfer window as he looks destined to leave Selhurst Park.

Manchester United have shown serious interest in the 22-year-old and the Daily Mail say Real Madrid are also admirers, although they are expected to re-sign Nico Paz from Como.

Chelsea have been given hope of signing £70m-rated Wharton, however, as United are believed to view Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali as better fits for the team.

Nottingham Forest star Anderson remains Manchester United’s No. 1 choice for the midfield position but the Red Devils face major competition from Manchester City, who are confident of striking a deal.

One issue for Chelsea, however, could be their battle for Champions League football as Wharton is keen to play in the competition should he leave Palace.

Three defeats in four league games has left Liam Rosenior’s side sixth in the Premier League, six points outside the top-four places with seven games remaining.

Missing out on Wharton to rivals Manchester United also remains a possibility, with Wes Brown recently urging his former club to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

‘I love Adam,’ Brown told Metro. ‘When we played Crystal Palace earlier in the season I made myself have a good look at him and he is so good on the ball.

‘That would be a great asset for the club. He would cost a lot of money but it will be tough for Crystal Palace to keep another of their top players.

‘But that position does need filling. Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo could be a great partnership for Manchester United. I just look at Adam Wharton and he’s very good on the ball, very athletic, very complete.’

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