Chelsea's Priority Target To Replace Enzo Fernandez Revealed If Man City Transfer Happens | OneFootball

Chelsea have several deals to finalise before the September 1 transfer deadline.

As the transfer window deadline inches ever closer, Chelsea look set to be at the centre of attention, with the focus on both outgoings and incomings, particularly in midfield.

With the Enzo Fernandez saga seemingly dragging on until deadline day on September 1, Chelsea have sounded out potential replacements should the Argentine midfielder depart.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City, who are managed by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca. As a result, Fernandez has missed Chelsea’s last two matches amid the transfer speculation. The Blues went on to win both matches in his absence.

In recent days, Chelsea have been linked with Monaco sensation Lamine Camara as a possible midfield addition. However, new reports have emerged suggesting that Chelsea have identified a different priority target should Fernandez leave.

According to RMC Sport, Chelsea are keen on signing 25-year-old French international Manu Koné, who currently plays for Serie A side AS Roma. Reports suggest that he is ‘very high’ on the shortlist at Stamford Bridge.

Furthermore, according to Foot Mercato, interest in Koné has developed into Chelsea’s ‘priority target’ should Fernandez make the move north to Manchester City.

Interest in Koné would come as little surprise given his growing importance at international level. The French midfielder was pivotal to Didier Deschamps’ plans at the most recent World Cup, starting four matches and appearing as a second-half substitute in France’s 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.

The Blues are in need of midfield reinforcements following the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez’s future, Jordan Henderson’s unavailability due to an injury picked up at the World Cup, Reece James’ workload management and fresh concerns over the seriousness of Moises Caicedo’s knock.

The Ecuadorian star missed Chelsea’s opening-day victory over Fulham and had to settle for a place on the bench against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion. Caicedo was introduced with just over 20 minutes remaining but was forced to withdraw 14 minutes later with a suspected injury.

Xabi Alonso gave an update on the midfielder after the 4-3 victory over the Seagulls, revealing: “He was cautious, to stop, to say he was not feeling the best. We will assess during the week. It was not something new.”

Alonso was left short of midfield options going into the clash with Brighton, to the point that he started Malo Gusto in midfield alongside Romeo Lavia. With a trip to Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday, Alonso will be sweating over the availability of his midfield options - a selection headache he likely did not expect so early into his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour midfielder Dario Essugo is linked with a potential loan move to newly promoted Hull City, with RC Strasbourg as a possible backup option.