Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has recently been linked with a potential exit from Stamford Bridge, with Atletico Madrid showing interest in him. If Chelsea were to lose Fernandez during the summer transfer window, a potential replacement could emerge from Manchester United in the form of Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo, an England international and a product of United’s youth system, made a strong impact last season and earned a place in the national squad for their Euro 2024 campaign. His impressive performances led to speculation about a move to Chelsea during the January transfer window, especially as Chelsea took note of United’s financial struggles.
Under the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, academy graduates like Mainoo are considered valuable assets, as their sale represents pure profit. Mainoo’s United teammate, Alejandro Garnacho, was also linked with Chelsea, with his agency spotted at Stamford Bridge in January, though it was reportedly not a direct invitation from the club.
According to the Manchester Evening News, there is now a genuine possibility that Mainoo could leave United this summer after stalled contract negotiations. Despite his regular first-team role, Mainoo is still on a relatively low wage and reportedly seeks a significant increase to commit his future to the club. However, United is unable to meet his demands, leading to speculation that parting ways might be the best option for both parties.
If Mainoo becomes a target for Chelsea, the club would likely need to sell a player to make space for him. Fernandez seems like a likely candidate for departure, given the interest in him, with Atletico Madrid’s Argentine players reportedly attempting to convince him to join them in La Liga. However, the 24-year-old is currently content at Chelsea, having made 35 appearances this season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists.
