Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to reports in France.
Fernandez, who joined the Blues in 2023 for a then British record transfer of £107million, is said to be weighing up his options at Stamford Bridge after Enzo Maresca’s shock exit earlier this month.
Maresca was sacked by the west London club on New Year’s Day after an explosive fallout with Chelsea’s hierarchy, leading to the appointment of new head coach Liam Rosenior last week.
Fernandez, who held a very positive relationship with Maresca prior to his exit, admitted he was ‘sad’ for the Italian boss when he first reacted to the sacking after scoring a 94th-minute equaliser against Manchester City on January 4.
Now, according to French media outlet L’Equipe, the World Cup winner is considering his future at Stamford Bridge and has emerged as one of PSG’s main transfer targets.
The French giants, who triumphed in the Champions League last season, are reportedly eager to bolster their midfield around key man Vitinha.
PSG are reportedly weighing up a move for Chelsea’s £107m midfielder Enzo Fernandez (left)
Fernandez is claimed to be considering his future at Chelsea following Enzo Maresca’s sacking
Despite winning the Champions League last season, there is a feeling PSG need to recruit again
It is claimed the performances of Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz have raised questions of late within Luis Enrique’s side, despite them both playing superbly last season en route to the Champions League crown.
The French newspaper also details that PSG have made no attempt to sign Fernandez during the January transfer window, viewing him as a longer term target.
PSG’s primary recruitment aim is understood to be increasing competition within Luis Enrique’s squad, addressing concerns that some players have grown too comfortable due to a lack of genuine competition for first-team places.
‘Not bringing in more competition is a mistake,’ a source close to a PSG player told the newspaper.
‘They should have brought in guys who are eager to prove themselves. Right now, we’re seeing players who are playing more casually. The dip in form is in their desire.
‘In the counter-pressing, you can tell it’s not quite the same team anymore. There’s a lack of ambition to earn their place, players who are too comfortable.’
Fernandez, 24, was one of the Chelsea stars who wrote a heartfelt message to Maresca on social media after his sacking, while some of his team-mates chose to remain silent.
‘Mister, thank you for everything shared and experienced during this stage, I learned a lot and I value every advice and experience,’ he wrote.
Fernandez was at the centre of a heated altercation after Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Chelsea
New head coach Liam Rosenior was forced to intervene to stop tempers from boiling over
‘Wishing you and your coaching staff, Willy, Dani, Robi, Marcos and Mickey, all the best. We won two titles together that I will never forget. Much success to you and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future. A big hug.’
Fernandez was at the centre of a heated altercation in the aftermath of Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
New head coach Rosenior was forced to intervene after spotting his £107m midfielder in a fierce exchange of words with Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi and centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes after the final whistle.
Fernandez charged over to Zubimendi and appeared to grab his neck, only for Rosenior, who will be well aware of Chelsea’s poor discipline record prior to his appointment at Stamford Bridge, to arrive and drag his player back to safety.
Rosenior watched Chelsea pick up their seventh red card in all competitions from the stands in his first outing as their new head coach last week against Fulham, with Marc Cucurella the target of a straight red dished out at Craven Cottage.
