While Chelsea might have enjoyed an immediate boost following Liam Rosenior’s shock arrival at Stamford Bridge back in January, the Blues suddenly find themselves at the heart of a public rut.
Heading into March’s international break with a 3-0 drumming away at Everton, it appears that Rosenior already has some mounting pressure on his shoulders in west London.
Watching their European adventure come to a crushing end following an 8-2 aggregate defeat against reigning Champions League winners PSG last month, Chelsea have also lost each of their last four consecutive appearances across all competitions.
Dropping out the Premier League’s top-four, the Blues have also endured a turbulent month behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
Although it might not be a secret that the west London hierarchy have a new central defender at the top of their summer wishlist, their influential skipper has also sparked a recent controversy.
Fernandez is making his ambitions clear
While Enzo Fernandez might have initially struggled to find his feet at Stamford Bridge after completing a record-breaking £107million move from Benfica back in February 2023, the Argentinian international has enjoyed a career-best campaign in west London.
Although Rosenior’s side might have shown a string of worrying issues over the past couple of months, Fernandez has certainly been Chelsea’s most positive spark.
Registering eight Premier League goals this season and often in possession of Chelsea’s captain’s armband, the former River Plate starlet finds his stock at a red-hot high.
However, failing to commit his future to Rosenior’s side last month and opening the door to a blockbuster move away from SW6, Fernandez is publicly making it clear what he wants this summer.
Facing a major backlash from fans around west London over the past few days, the World Cup-winner has been vocal about a potential move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and he has reportedly made his wishes clear to his representatives.
Although Los Blancos might remain linked with a swoop for Manchester City ace Rodri, Fernandez is reportedly desperate to complete a move to the Bernabeu and has discussed his desire to ‘live in Madrid’.
🚨👀 Enzo Fernández: “I always tell my wife Valu that if I have to choose a city to live in Europe, I really like Madrid”.
“It’s very similar to Buenos Aires, also because of the food”, told Luzu Tv. 🥘 pic.twitter.com/aEgGeFs0EE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 1, 2026
Is Wharton the man to replace Fernandez?
While the race for Elliot Anderson might steal plenty of this summer’s headlines, he is not the only English midfielder who is attracting plenty of heavyweight Premier League interest.
With Oliver Glanser already announcing that he will be leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, the Eagles look set for what is a monumental overhaul at Selhurst Park.
Watching defensive talisman Marc Guehi complete a permanent switch to Man City during the January transfer window, Palace have a real job on their hands in the race to keep hold of Adam Wharton this summer.
Continuing to shine since arriving in south London, the former Blackburn youngster has been linked with a potential big-money move to Manchester United.
However, although Chelsea might have announced the biggest pre-tax loss in Premier League history this week as they lost £262million for the 2024/25 campaign, they are once again expected to be heavily active when the window reopens.
With The Telegraph reporting that Chelsea are a long-term admirer of Palace’s midfield superstar, it has been suggested that Palace value Wharton in the region of £70million.
”It’s a lot different to the Premier League”
Adam Wharton on the differences between the Europa Conference League and Premier League 💨 pic.twitter.com/mfj5A6aqMi
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 11, 2026
Source:
www.soccernews.com
