Chelsea Transfer News Today: Enzo Fernandez surprise as Alonso reveals bomb squad

Updated: 16 Aug 2026 19:32 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Enzo Fernandez and a possible ‘bomb squad’.

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Enzo Fernandez latest

Chelsea are happy to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club after Manchester City failed to match his €140 million price tag by their imposed deadline of 17:00 BST on Friday 14 August.

However, the club could still sell the Argentina international before the end of the summer window, as per a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man City reportedly remain in discussions with Fernandez’s representatives and they could still sign him this summer, despite the fact that Chelsea’s deadline has now passed.

Current ETV

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€83.3M - €101.8M

New bomb squad revealed?

Xabi Alonso inadvertently revealed Chelsea’s new bomb squad with his squad selection for the club’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues ended their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with a 3-1 win over Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring in his first appearance for the club and Joao Pedro netting a second-half brace after Jon Aramburu had equalised.

The substitutes bench included the likes of Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and Enzo Fernandez, who was booed by sections of the crowd upon his introduction in the second period, but a number of stars were omitted entirely.

Mykhailo Mudryk, Mamadou Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, Nicolas Jackson, and Liam Delap were the notable omissions from Chelsea’s matchday squad on Saturday, and it suggests that all nine players could be set to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the window.

Nicolas Jackson update

Chelsea are still struggling to find a buyer for Nicolas Jackson despite lowering their asking price, according to reports in France.

RMC Sport understands Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid have all expressed an interest in signing Jackson this summer.

However, the same outlet claims all three clubs have baulked at the €70million (£60m) valuation placed on the Senegal striker.

The news comes after BBC Sport reported in July that Chelsea were originally looking to receive €76m (£65m) to part ways with Jackson.

New midfielder to join?

Chelsea are still looking at a new central midfielder and could look to bolster their options in the middle of the park even if Fernandez remains at the club this summer.

It was previously understood that Chelsea may have already finalised their incoming transfer business for the summer, however Simon Phillips claims that Xabi Alonso’s side are still looking at the midfield market, with Dario Essugo potentially set to be sent on loan.

Chelsea have been linked with England duo Alex Scott and Adam Wharton in recent months, while they have also been tipped to pursue a deal for Martin Zubimendi or Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Marseille join Tosin race

Marseille have joined Benfica in the race to sign Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, as per Sky Sports.

The defender was omitted from Chelsea’s squad to face Real Sociedad in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, and it’s understood that a sale will be considered for the right price.

Tosin currently appears to be behind Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato and possibly Josh Acheampong in the centre-back pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Jamie Gittens statement

Fenerbahce have issued a statement denying they are interested in signing Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, saying the rumours are “unfounded”.

There was loose speculation in Turkey over the weekend suggesting the Super Lig giants were weighing up a move for the Blues winger, but they have taken to social media to deny reports linking them with Gittens.

In a statement on X, they said: “Reports circulating in some media outlets today regarding our club's interest in Chelsea FC player Jamie Gittens are completely unfounded and do not reflect the truth.

“We once again clearly state that attempts to manipulate Fenerbahce Sports Club through false transfer claims and artificially created agendas will have no effect.

“Fenerbahce conducts its sporting structure, transfer policy, and future planning in all branches, especially football, in accordance with its own strategy, needs, and established programs.

“Therefore, we expect this approach of using our club's name to create public opinion and steer Fenerbahce towards certain directions to cease.

“We respectfully request that our great Fenerbahce fans disregard such unfounded news.”