If Chelsea act quickly they can still sign Enzo Fernandez in time for their next Premier League clash against Manchester City on Thursday. The Blues are in action at Stamford Bridge for the first of a double header against Pep Guardiola's side. Fernandez is a key target in the new year as Graham Potter looks to strengthen his midfield and got another stark warning as to why in Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
If talks advance rapidly then Fernandez would need to be registered by 12pm on Wednesday in order to meet league regulations for new signings. The rules read:
"Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play."
It also adds:
"save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match)."
Erling Haaland dilemma
It wasn't just Chelsea's midfield that struggled at the City Ground, their defence was often exposed and came under a second half siege from Steve Cooper's men. Kalidou Koulibaly was part of the four man backline alongside Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella and the defender struggled once more. With Erling Haaland approaching quickly for City Potter may be tempted to take his Senegalese player out of firing line. Haaland currently has more league goals than all of Chelsea's squad combined.
FA Statement
The Football Association have said they are 'determined' to drive out the use of the term 'rent boy' from football, following chants from Nottingham Forest supporters during their draw with Chelsea. In a statement made following the match, the FA said:
"We strongly condemn the use of the term 'rent boy' and we are determined to drive it out of our game. We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term. "Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established.
"We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are striving to ensure our game is a safe environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct both on and off the pitch."
Chelsea Pride have also made a statement.
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