British media: To prevent Manchester City from suddenly making a move for Enzo, Chelsea are eyeing three potential successors, including Walton.

If Manchester City suddenly decides to make a move for Enzo Fernandes, Chelsea will need to prepare an alternative plan in advance.

Manchester City had a chance to sign the Chelsea midfielder for £120 million last weekend, but they did not make an offer before the unofficial deadline of 5 pm on Friday.

According to London Football, Fernandes informed Stamford Bridge's management in late May that he intended to leave the club. He first began to waver about his future in March, at which time he did not rule out leaving Chelsea and expressed his desire to one day live in the Spanish capital.

He was quickly linked with a move to the Bernabéu. By early July, Real Madrid had explicitly denied that they had taken or would take any action to sign Fernandez, whose contract with Chelsea runs until June 2032.

In an official statement, Real Madrid said that while they have "extreme respect" for the player, they "have no intention of making such a move." Real Madrid also stated that they have a "good relationship" with Chelsea and referred to the signing of Matteo Cucurella just hours before Spain's World Cup opener.

Chelsea, eager to finalize preparations for the new season, have informed interested parties that they must meet their £120 million asking price by 5 pm on Friday, August 14th. According to London Football, Manchester City, while not submitting an offer by this unofficial deadline, remain interested in signing the Argentine international.

Follow us on our Chelsea Facebook page! The latest Chelsea news, analysis, and more will be posted on our dedicated Facebook page.

If Enzo Maresca pushes for the signing of Fernandes and Manchester City ultimately makes a formal offer, Chelsea will have to find a replacement immediately. Based on this, London Football has compiled a list of three alternatives Chelsea could consider.

Walton would be an ideal addition to Chelsea's squad. While the Crystal Palace midfielder may not be able to match Fernandes' goal tally, who is a master of big games, Walton is one of the few players who can control the tempo of the game and dominate possession.

Walton plays a deeper position, often dropping back to receive the ball and break down defenses; his role is likely similar to that of the Argentine player when he first joined Chelsea in 2023. If Alonso is confident that the wing-backs and attacking players can compensate for Fernandes' output in the attacking third, the 22-year-old playmaker could be a perfect fit.

According to London Football, Chelsea have long admired Walton, whose contract with Selhurst Park runs until June 2029. It is believed that a potential transfer fee for the England player could be around £100 million.

Scott can also be a good replacement for Fernandes. The Bournemouth midfielder is just as good at keeping the team moving in both attack and defense as Walton, but he can provide more dynamism and mobility in the central midfield, moving back and forth between the two penalty areas.

This Crystal Palace midfielder excels at advancing through the middle with excellent passing range, while Scott relies primarily on dribbling. Therefore, the 22-year-old midfielder could bring something different to Chelsea's midfield, which may be exactly what Alonso wants.

According to London Football, Chelsea are very interested in signing Scott, whose contract with Vitality Stadium runs until June 2028. However, it is believed that the Blues will only proceed with the deal if Fernandes leaves.

Chelsea made a £64 million bid for the England player earlier this summer, but it was rejected, with Bournemouth insisting he is not for sale. It is understood that Scott also rejected a contract extension offer from the Cherries last month.

Although Ruiz hasn't been linked with a move to Chelsea, Alonso should try to lure him away from Paris Saint-Germain. Under Ramiro Enrique, the 30-year-old has quietly become one of the world's best midfielders, with only one year left on his contract with the Paris capitals.

Chelsea should test the waters at the Parc des Princes. Ruiz is a free agent at the end of the season, and unlike the others on the list, he may not require a huge transfer fee, making him a bargain.

This Spanish international would bring star quality and a wealth of experience to Stamford Bridge, exactly what Alonso wants. Ruiz is only 30 years old, meaning he's still in his prime.

He has already won every honor in the domestic and European arenas with Paris Saint-Germain, and the plans for West London are likely to attract him.