- Enzo Fernandez looks likely to leave Chelsea this summer
- Chelsea will need to find a replacement
- An England international is on their radar
The Chelsea midfield could look very different come next season. Enzo Fernandez’s future has been a topic of heavy discussion over the last few weeks. And considering how the Argentine has handled himself in the media, it would not be any surprise if he did indeed make an exit this summer.
Fernandez has been an integral part of the Chelsea starting XI since joining the club in early 2023. Signed from Benfica, he was initially brought in as the midfield orchestrator. But over time, he has developed into a box-crashing goalscorer.
The likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City are all said to be interested in signing Fernandez. If the Argentine does depart, Chelsea will need to find a replacement for him.
Signing an out-and-out replacement for Fernandez would not be simple. He brings a unique skillset, capable of both controlling the midfield and contributing with both goals and assists. The Blues could decide to go a different route though.
Chelsea set sights on England international midfielder
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace has been on Chelsea’s radar for quite some time. Signing the England international won’t be simple, but it looks like the Blues are already taking the first steps.
According to The Chelsea Chronicle, Simon Phillips said on his Substack:
“SPTC Sources have heard that the number one target in midfield for Chelsea this summer right now is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
“Wharton has been liked by the current Chelsea recruitment team for some time, even before he joined Palace. And they see him as a profile that needs adding to this squad the most.
“Wharton won’t come cheap, but neither will any midfield target that the club are looking at really. Chelsea will also face competition for the England international, as they will for any other target they are looking at. So there is no guarantee that Chelsea land Wharton, far from it. And they will also be able to pivot to other targets. But we have heard that initial contact has been made with Wharton’s reps.”
Would Wharton be a good signing for the Blues?
It is safe to say that Wharton is a quality player. But is he someone who can replace Fernandez in the middle of the park for Chelsea? He is not the same profile by any means.
Wharton is someone who would be an upgrade on the defensive side of things. He is a better ball carrier than Fernandez. He also puts up much better numbers when it comes to winning ground duels and regaining possession.
So, if Wharton is signed, it is very likely that he will be placed as the defensive midfielder. It could see Moises Caicedo’s role freed up more.
That is a decision that would be controversial. Caicedo is viewed by many as the best in the world in his role. So, tweaking with that would be a risky move. Chelsea tried that with N’Golo Kante in the past and the Frenchman did seem to lose a bit of his speciality. The same could happen with the Ecuadorian international as well.
