Chelsea transfer news LIVE: £42.8m Enzo Fernandez replacement, Liam Delap exit, latest updates today

Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live Chelsea transfer news blog on Tuesday, August 25!

Xabi Alonso's men kick-started their Premier League campaign with an enthralling 3-2 win over West London rivals Fulham on Monday, although the result was somewhat soured by the reaction to Enzo Fernandez from his own fans.

Stay entirely up to date with the latest Chelsea done deals and rumours with our social-led live blog below!

Today's Chelsea transfer headlines

Chelsea identify £42.8m Enzo Fernandez replacement

Liam Delap 'working' on Chelsea exit

Chelsea transfer news today: What's happening on August 25?

Alonso addressed the Fernandez transfer saga directly at Craven Cottage on Monday, telling reporters: "We have to accept this situation. We know that Manchester City are really interested in this player and we have to deal with that."

The comments confirmed that Alonso accepts Fernandez's departure is likely rather than possible, and that Chelsea's priority now is managing a clean and profitable exit while securing an adequate replacement.

Man City expect the deal to be completed before the September 1 deadline despite Chelsea having raised their asking price, with Fernandez himself understood to want the reunion with Enzo Maresca who managed him during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are reported to be monitoring a European midfielder valued at approximately £42.8m as a potential replacement, with the Blues understood to have accelerated their planning ahead of what now appears to be an inevitable departure.

Liam Delap is separately working towards a move to a Premier League rival, with the 22-year-old striker thought to have been given permission to seek an exit having been unable to live up to expectations in the English capital since arriving from Ipswich Town.

The broader squad management picture also saw Benoit Badiashile join Napoli on loan, while Joao Pedro's new contract until 2034 represented one of the more positive stories of the week, with the Brazilian having been voted the club's Player of the Season last campaign after 23 goals and nine assists.