Chelsea included Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto in their matchday plans for the friendly against Real Sociedad as the club’s summer transfer picture continued to shift around them.
Fernandez was named among the substitutes after Manchester City did not make the offer Chelsea had sought by their self-imposed deadline. Neto, meanwhile, started despite reports linking him with Al-Hilal and interest elsewhere. Their involvement does not conclusively end the speculation, but it provides a practical indication that both remain part of Xabi Alonso’s immediate preparation.
Fernandez deadline changes the balance
According to multiple outlets, Chelsea had made clear that a £120m proposal was required for Fernandez before Friday’s 5pm cut-off. No such bid arrived. Reports published after the deadline therefore suggested Chelsea now expect the Argentina midfielder to stay, although City could still revisit the situation before the transfer window shuts.
There was a difference in the live reporting around the deadline itself. Earlier updates presented City as still having time to act, while later reports said the cut-off had expired without an acceptable approach. The consistent theme is that Chelsea hold the stronger position after stating their valuation and seeing no formal offer meet it.
A potential sale of Rodri by City has been raised as a factor which could alter the situation. Barcelona are reportedly considering another move for the Spanish midfielder, and an outgoing fee could give City more room to return for Fernandez. That remains a possible chain of events rather than an agreed transfer, however.
For Chelsea, Fernandez’s squad inclusion matters beyond the headline of a missed deadline. Keeping a central midfielder with his standing would allow Alonso to plan with continuity while the club addresses a far wider group of possible exits. It also means any renewed City approach would have to overcome a club no longer facing pressure to replace him quickly.
Neto’s selection and a crowded winger market
Neto’s start against Real Sociedad arrived alongside claims that he has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal. Other reports say Chelsea would consider a sale only if their terms are met, with one valuation placed at about £51m. Manchester City and Tottenham have also been linked, though no completed deal has been reported.
His selection is particularly notable because discussion around Alonso’s preferred system has raised questions about the space available for conventional wide attackers. Starting the Portuguese international in the final pre-season outing instead suggests Chelsea are still testing how he can fit into the coach’s approach, rather than treating an exit as inevitable.
Forward sales remain a central issue
Liam Delap is another player whose future is unresolved. Como have reportedly made an approach, but reports indicate the striker would prefer to remain in the Premier League, whether by competing for a Chelsea place or moving to another English club. Chelsea’s desired fee has been variously described as £50m or in excess of that figure.
Nicolas Jackson is also reported to be available after returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, with Aston Villa among the clubs linked. Yet another report says Jackson is prepared to remain and compete for his place. Those accounts are not necessarily incompatible: Chelsea may be open to a suitable offer while the player considers staying if the right move does not emerge.
The broader plan, according to reports, is for Chelsea to reduce their attacking options before the window closes. Delap and Jackson are joined in that discussion by Marc Guiu and David Datro Fofana. Decisions on that group will shape the depth available to Alonso more directly than the unresolved Fernandez story, particularly if the club intend to narrow a large squad.
Defence also under review
Axel Disasi is expected to leave if a satisfactory arrangement can be reached. Crystal Palace have been mentioned as a possible loan destination, while Chelsea are said to favour a permanent departure. Another report linked West Ham with the defender, illustrating that interest exists but that no final decision has been confirmed.
Benoit Badiashile appears closer to a move, with reports describing a season-long Napoli loan that would include an option to buy. Chelsea are also considering loans for younger defenders Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino.
The immediate evidence from the Real Sociedad squad is that Fernandez and Neto remain available while negotiations continue around them. Chelsea’s final weeks of the window may therefore be defined less by one blockbuster arrival or departure than by how efficiently they turn a long list of potential exits into a more settled squad.