Chelsea Open to Selling Enzo Fernandez to Man City

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to offload midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, provided the right offer is made and they can secure a replacement before Tuesday's transfer deadline, according to Sky Sports.

While there's no official confirmation of talks between the two clubs, the 25-year-old Argentine was conspicuously absent from the Blues' squad that secured a 2-0 victory over League One side Luton Town in the League Cup. Following the match, manager Xabi Alonso described Fernandez as a "good professional" who trains diligently, adding that a decision on his involvement in Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton would be made later.

Chelsea had initially set an August 14 deadline for Manchester City's bids for the midfielder, but the Citizens' interest persists despite missing that date. The London club had demanded a minimum of £120 million, an offer that never materialized.

"It was simply for the game. We have other players who need minutes. This was a decision I made this afternoon. Enzo is a good professional. He trains well, and I can't say anything about that. These were just decisions we had to make with the game we played tonight in mind. We will see about Sunday," Alonso responded when questioned about Fernandez's exclusion from the Luton match squad.

Should Enzo Fernandez be sold to Manchester City in the coming days, Chelsea has identified two potential replacements: Alex Scott from Bournemouth and Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. However, neither club is currently willing to part with their respective players. Chelsea is set to face Leeds United in the third round of the League Cup in two weeks, while they currently sit sixth in the Premier League after their 3-2 opening-day victory against Fulham.