CHELSEA are working on replacing Enzo Fernandez, and Barcelona Fermin Lopez is emerging as an option!
Chelsea may face the departure of Enzo Fernandez during the upcoming summer transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid both reportedly showing strong interest in the midfielder.
While Chelsea holds a strong bargaining position due to Fernandez’s contract extending through 2032, the 24-year-old Argentinian is reportedly reassessing his commitment to the club after Enzo Maresca’s exit.
FootballTransfers has identified three potential midfield acquisitions Chelsea might pursue should Fernandez make a move to either PSG or Real Madrid:
**Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)**
The 19-year-old Dutch midfielder has established himself as one of football’s most promising young talents over the last year, attracting attention from multiple elite clubs.
After earning top honors at last summer’s U19 European Championship, Smit has already featured in 60 matches for AZ’s first team. His performances have caught the eye of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Real Madrid, and other major sides.
Comparisons have been drawn between the teenager and stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Pedri, with his skill set appearing well-suited to fill Fernandez’s role under Rosenior at Chelsea.
**Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)**
Though Maresca frequently deployed Fernandez in an attacking midfield position, Rosenior may prefer a deeper-lying role, suggesting a replacement with stronger defensive attributes could be necessary to partner Moises Caicedo centrally.
Anderson, an England international, would satisfy this requirement while also offering excellent ball-carrying abilities from deeper positions.
Following an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, the Nottingham Forest player is anticipated to complete a high-profile summer transfer, with Chelsea competing against both Manchester clubs for his services.
**Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)**
Alternatively, Chelsea could seek someone who matches Fernandez’s attacking contributions rather than prioritizing defensive qualities.
Returning to pursue Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, after an unsuccessful approach last summer, would represent a strong option in this scenario.
The Spanish midfielder has registered 18 combined goals and assists in just 22 appearances this season, making him well-equipped to thrive in the advanced box-to-box position Fernandez has occupied recently.
