Flashscore sources: Chelsea's midfield plans thrown into doubt after double setback

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]The Blues[/a] had explored a move for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/xhaka-granit/QBHCDKff/"]Granit Xhaka[/a] as part of their plans under new head coach Xabi Alonso, but the deal has failed to materialise.[/p][p]Chelsea were unwilling to meet the financial demands required to sign the experienced midfielder, while Sunderland remained determined not to part with the player.[/p][p]At the same time, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fernandez-enzo/nZnbEVWP/"]Enzo Fernandez[/a]'s potential move to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/real-madrid/W8mj7MDD/"]Real Madrid[/a] has also cooled, leaving Chelsea facing an increasingly complex situation.[/p][p][b]Although Chelsea were never actively looking to sell the Argentina international, the club were aware that Fernandez had been keen on a move to the Spanish giants if the opportunity arose.[/b][/p][p]We understand that Chelsea maintained throughout informal contacts that any deal would require a fee exceeding the £106 million they paid to sign Fernandez in 2023. [/p][embed guid="3f2ae294-caca-4866-91a4-835cd9f4b16f" url="https://x.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/2073667947503960085" social-type="twitter" /][p]That valuation, which was over £115 million, ultimately proved to be a major stumbling block, with Real Madrid's unable to negotiate a deal that would meet Chelsea's expectations.[/p][p]As a result, the Spanish club have claimed they were not interested in pursuing the player this summer.[/p][p][b]The collapse of both transfers leaves Chelsea with important decisions to make as they continue shaping their squad for the upcoming campaign.[/b][/p][p]Missing out on Xhaka means the Blues must now identify alternative midfield targets, while they also need greater clarity over Fernandez's long-term future at Stamford Bridge.[/p][p]There remains concern within the club that the midfielder could still seek a move away if the right opportunity arises, and Chelsea are keen to establish exactly where he sees his future before the transfer window progresses further.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/transfer-news-live-tracker-updates/8QqUWm3n/"]Follow all the transfer news LIVE here[/a][/b].[/p][infobox id="f961102e-920a-4281-b5f2-f996852544cf" /]