Chelsea’s priority on transfer deadline day is midfield, with Manchester City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernández forcing the club to weigh a potential sale against the need to protect Xabi Alonso’s squad. The Premier League window closes at 11pm on Tuesday, 1 September. ([chelseafc.com](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/transfer-deadline-day-2026-everything-you-need-to-know))
City have now made an offer understood to be worth more than £120 million for the Argentina international, according to The Guardian. Fernández is reportedly keen on the move, leaving Chelsea to decide whether they can secure a replacement before approving his departure. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/sep/01/football-transfer-deadline-day-fernandez-alvarez-mudryk-ndiaye-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a969b368f087c072b9e3143))
The situation has developed despite Chelsea setting an earlier deadline for a formal bid. Manchester City did not meet that initial cut-off, but their interest remained active as the final day of the window approached.
Chelsea explore midfield options as Fernández talks continue
Chelsea are not understood to be actively forcing Fernández out, but the scale of City’s proposal could make an agreement possible if the club believes it can emerge from the window with a stronger and better-balanced squad.
Roma’s Manu Koné and Monaco’s Lamine Camara have emerged as the leading options under consideration. Chelsea have also made a move for Camara, while a deal for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is regarded as highly unlikely because his club have remained unwilling to entertain offers. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/sep/01/football-transfer-deadline-day-fernandez-alvarez-mudryk-ndiaye-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a969b368f087c072b9e3143))
The recruitment process is not centred on finding a direct replica of Fernández. Koné would offer greater athleticism and ball-carrying power, while Camara would bring energy, defensive work and scope for development. Either arrival would allow Alonso to reshape the midfield rather than simply reproduce the departing player’s role.
That leaves Chelsea working through several possible outcomes: Fernández could stay if a suitable deal cannot be completed, or he could move to a direct Premier League rival if the financial terms and replacement plans are acceptable.
Time is the main constraint. Chelsea must be satisfied that a new midfielder is secured before giving final approval to Fernández’s transfer, although deals agreed shortly before the deadline can be submitted using a Premier League deal sheet, allowing extra time for the paperwork. ([chelseafc.com](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/transfer-deadline-day-2026-everything-you-need-to-know))
