Chelsea Could Lose Enzo Fernandez This Summer as PSG and Real Madrid Circle
Chelsea could be facing a major midfield decision ahead of the summer transfer window, with Enzo Fernandez attracting serious interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Despite the Blues being in a strong negotiating position — Fernandez is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032 — the 24-year-old Argentina international is reportedly reconsidering his future following the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca. His situation has alerted several European giants, putting Chelsea on notice as the window approaches.
Should Fernandez depart, Chelsea are already assessing possible replacements. According to FootballTransfers, the club has identified three midfielders who could fit into their evolving system.
Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
Kees Smit has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young midfield talents. The 19-year-old Dutch star enjoyed a breakthrough year, cementing his status as a key player for AZ Alkmaar.
After winning top individual honours at the U19 European Championship last summer, Smit has already made over 60 senior appearances for AZ. His performances have drawn interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and other elite clubs.
Often compared to Kevin De Bruyne and Pedri, Smit’s creativity, composure, and technical quality make him a strong candidate to step into Fernandez’s role under Liam Rosenior at Chelsea.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
If Chelsea opt for a more defensively balanced midfield setup, Elliot Anderson could be a prime target.
While Fernandez was often used in advanced positions under Maresca, Rosenior is expected to prefer a deeper-lying midfielder to partner Moises Caicedo. Anderson fits that profile perfectly, offering defensive intelligence, energy, and impressive ball-carrying ability from deep areas.
The England international enjoyed an outstanding 2025–26 season with Nottingham Forest and is widely expected to secure a big-money move this summer. Chelsea face stiff competition from both Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature.
Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)
Alternatively, Chelsea could prioritise replacing Fernandez’s attacking output rather than focusing on defensive solidity.
In that scenario, a renewed move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez would make sense, following Chelsea’s failed attempt to sign him last summer. The Spanish international has been in sensational form, recording 18 goals and assists in just 22 appearances this season.
Lopez’s attacking instincts, work rate, and ability to operate as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder make him an ideal fit for the advanced role Fernandez has recently occupied at Stamford Bridge.
