Chelsea Consider Selling Enzo Fernández to Fund £80m Move for England Star Elliot Anderson

Chelsea are reportedly considering a high-profile midfield overhaul that could involve selling one of their most important players in order to fund an £80 million move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

According to The Daily Briefing, the London club are “exploring a major investment in midfield” as Enzo Maresca looks to build one of the strongest central units in the Premier League. Anderson, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United, has been added to Chelsea’s shortlist as a potential long-term solution.

However, any move for the England international will come at a significant cost. Nottingham Forest are expected to demand a substantial fee before agreeing to part ways with the 22-year-old, whose value has surged following a standout season. Some reports place Anderson’s price tag at around £80 million, while others suggest the fee could climb as high as £120 million.

To meet such a figure, Chelsea may be forced to sacrifice a major first-team player. The report indicates that Enzo Fernández is the most likely candidate, with Real Madrid monitoring his situation closely. A sale of the Argentine midfielder would generate the financial flexibility Chelsea need to comply with financial regulations while still pushing ahead with their midfield rebuild.

Anderson’s rise over the past year has been remarkable. Sold by Newcastle United to Nottingham Forest for £35 million in July 2024 due to PSR pressures, he quickly established himself as one of Forest’s standout performers. His dynamic displays in midfield were instrumental in the club’s qualification for European competition, marking one of their best campaigns in recent years. His form also earned him a call-up to the England national team, and he has already accumulated five senior caps since making his debut in September.