The Enzo Fernandez exit saga must have added to Chelsea’s headaches, while the Blues struggle on the pitch as well. Liam Rosenior’s are coming off an 8-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of PSG. Things got worse after the game when the Argentine international refused to rule out a potential departure.
Liam Rosenior came out earlier today and claimed that Fernandez was happy at Chelsea and committed to the club. He suggested that the Argentine’s comments had been misconstrued through translation and emotion.
It is hard to be completely certain about that though. Especially as a reliable Argentine journalist, Gaston Edul, had suggested even before the PSG game that there were chances that Fernandez could leave Chelsea this summer. The midfielder’s comments did not give rise to the speculation, it just added to it.
Amid all this, it looks like Chelsea are lining up potential transfer targets, in case Fernandez leaves. Replacing a player of his quality and attributes won’t be simple though.
Chelsea’s reported three-man shortlist to replace Fernandez
According to a report from CaughtOffside (via Football 365), Chelsea do not want to part with Fernandez. But they will be prepared if he leaves. It goes on to state:
‘Anderson is high up on Chelsea’s list, as confirmed by multiple sources, but keep an eye as well on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, and Wolves teenager Mateus Mane.’
All three are players Chelsea have been linked with in the past as well. But are any of them out-and-out replacements for Fernandez?
Can Anderson, Smit or Mane replace Fernandez for Chelsea?
Of course, it won’t be as simple as bringing in another midfielder when it comes to replacing Fernandez. The Argentine is a reliable source of both goals and assists for Chelsea. He is also someone who is excellent with the ball at his feet and comfortable playing under pressure. There is a reason why clubs like PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester City are said to be monitoring his situation. Finding an alternative to tha kind of a profile is not easy.
Anderson won’t be an outright replacement for Fernandez by any means. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is an excellent but he shines when it comes to putting in tackles, winning back the ball and making progressive carries.
Smit has some attributes that could help Chelsea replace Fernandez. Then again, he does not have anywhere near the volume yet in terms of goals or assists. Also, he is not playing in the Premier League and nobody can guess how he will deal with that jump.
Mane, of course, plays for Wolves. But as things stand, you cannot convincingly say that he is better than Fernandez in any facet of the game. Of course, he might develop and reach those levels someday. But putting him into the team and hoping he will do as good of a job as the Argentine would be a mistake.
