Chelsea identify Martin Zubimendi, Lucas Bergvall & Morgan Gibbs-White as Enzo Fernandez replacement

Chelsea have identified Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi as potential replacements for Enzo Fernandez, as per talkSPORT.

Fernandez has been in the media spotlight in recent months. First, Chelsea suspended the midfielder after he publicly expressed frustration and disappointment following Enzo Maresca’s departure.

Then, at the World Cup, his celebrations in Argentina’s 2-1 win over the Three Lions sparked outrage among England fans and the media.

Additionally, his agent, Javier Pastore, publicly claimed Fernández’s desire to depart Stamford Bridge and gave the infamous ‘who doesn’t like Madrid’ statement when quizzed in an interview about Real Madrid’s interest in his client.

While the 25-year-old reported for preseason and even featured from the bench in the 3-2 opening day win over Fulham, he reportedly asked to be left out of the squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday amid negotiations with City.

An agreement has now been reached to sign Fernandez from Chelsea for a British record £125m fee, according to reports.

As a result, Chelsea are exploring moves for potential replacements, with reports via Football Talk revealing the club’s interest in AS Roma’s Manu Koné and Monaco’s Lamine Camara.

However, recent reports reveal Koné is set to remain at Roma after head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly blocked the move, while Monaco are unwilling to sell Camara to Chelsea at the time of writing.

Three-man shortlist

As a result, talkSPORT reports that Chelsea have turned their attention inward to Premier League targets, including Gibbs-White, Bergvall and Zubimendi.

Elaborating on the Blues’ interest in the trio, transfer expert and talkSPORT’s football correspondent Ben Jacobs said:

‘They would love Morgan Gibbs-White… It’s not viewed as possible.

‘But there are at least two other names I can tell you.

‘The first name, Martin Zubimendi; the second, Lucas Bergvall.

‘Chelsea, as it stands, have not made a bid for these players, but they’re on the list, as they seek a replacement that will unlock Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.’

Any of the trio would undoubtedly be a quality addition to Chelsea’s midfield, but their valuation could prove a stumbling block. Forest are unlikely to entertain an offer this late unless the Blues submit a significant bid well above his £60m Transfermarkt valuation, and the same will likely be the case for Zubimendi and Bergvall, who are both valued at £64m and £30m, respectively, by Transfermarkt.