"He is the one"—Enzo Fernandez Reveals Dream Signing as Chelsea Step Up Search for New Striker

As Chelsea prepare for another busy summer in the transfer market, midfielder Enzo Fernandez has made it clear who he wants to see join him at Stamford Bridge: his Argentina teammate and close friend, Julian Alvarez.

In an interview with Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Fernandez was asked which of his international teammates he would most like Chelsea to sign. Without hesitation, the 24-year-old picked Alvarez.

“Julian,” Fernandez said. “I talk to Julian often, even more so now. We’ve shared youth teams, the reserve team, the national team, and River Plate. There is no longer any discussion about what a great player he is, and he has proven it with his goals.”

Fernandez and Alvarez came through the ranks together at Rivers Plate before making the move to European football. Alvarez spent two years at Manchester City, where he often played a supportting role to Erling Haaland. In 2024, he made a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid for a reported £81.5 million.

Since arriving in Spain, Alvarez has thrived. The 24-year-old has scored 29 goals and provided six assists in just 53 games — an impressive return that’s made him one of La Liga’s standout forwards.

With Chelsea looking to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season, Fernandez’s public endorsement adds weight to speculation that the Blues may consider making a move for Alvarez, although a deal could prove financially challenging given Atletico’s heavy investment.

Chelsea have made it no secret that signing a new striker is a top priority this summer. While Alvarez would be a dream addition, the club is exploring several other options as well.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen remains high on the list, although the Nigerian forward recently turned down a move to Juventus. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is another name on the radar.

Delap has been linked to both Chelsea and Manchester United, and former manager Harry Redknapp believes the young striker would be a smart signing.

“I’ve heard that Chelsea are quite hot on Liam Delap – I could see him going to Stamford Bridge this summer,” Redknapp said in a recent interview with BetVictor. “I would say Delap is an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson. Jackson has shown flashes, but Delap could give Chelsea that option to change things if it’s not working.”

Despite some speculation linkking Fernandez with a move away from Stamford Bridge, including interest from Real Madrid, the midfielder is said to be happy in London. However, he did admit he has an admiration for Spanish football.

“I really like La Liga,” Fernandez said — a comment that may keep Madrid fans hopeful for the future.