CHELSEA are working on replacing Enzo Fernandez, and Barcelona Fermin Lopez is emerging as an option!
Chelsea faces the prospect of losing Enzo Fernandez this summer, with both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid circling the Argentine midfielder with growing interest.
Despite holding a commanding negotiating position—Fernandez’s contract runs until 2032—the 24-year-old is reportedly contemplating his future at Stamford Bridge following Enzo Maresca’s departure from the club.
FootballTransfers examines three potential replacements Chelsea could target if Fernandez secures a move to either PSG or Real Madrid this summer.
**Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)**
Over the past year, AZ Alkmaar’s teenage sensation Kees Smit has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, naturally attracting widespread interest from elite clubs across the continent.
The 19-year-old Dutch talent, who claimed Player of the Tournament honors at last summer’s U19 European Championship, has already accumulated 60 senior appearances for AZ. His development is being carefully tracked by Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Real Madrid, and several other top-tier sides.
Recent comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne and Pedri reflect his exceptional technical ability, which would translate seamlessly into Fernandez’s role within Rosenior’s Chelsea system.
**Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)**
While Maresca typically utilized Fernandez in advanced midfield positions, there’s speculation that Rosenior might deploy him deeper, suggesting Chelsea may need a replacement with stronger defensive credentials to form a double pivot alongside Moises Caicedo.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson perfectly fits this profile, combining superior defensive awareness with impressive ball-progression capabilities from deep-lying positions.
The England international has enjoyed an exceptional 2025-26 campaign and looks destined for a major summer move, with Chelsea competing against Manchester City and Manchester United for his signature. Securing Anderson would represent a significant coup for the Blues.
**Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)**
Alternatively, Chelsea could pursue the opposite approach by targeting someone who replicates Fernandez’s offensive output rather than emphasizing defensive qualities.
Reviving their interest in Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez—following last summer’s unsuccessful bid—would prove an astute choice for this strategy.
The Spanish midfielder has been in sensational form this season, contributing 18 goals and assists across just 22 appearances in all competitions. His dynamic style would make him ideally suited to the box-to-box role Fernandez has predominantly occupied over the past year.
