On profile alone, Zubimendi is an obvious name to surface. He is generally viewed as a controlling midfielder, comfortable setting rhythm and protecting the centre of the pitch. If Chelsea were to lose Enzo, replacing creativity alone would not be enough; they would also need calm possession and positional discipline.
That is why this rumour feels credible as a market signal rather than just noise. Chelsea have spent heavily on talent and athleticism in recent windows. A move for Zubimendi would point to balance.
If Enzo Fernández were to leave, Chelsea would not simply be losing a starter. They would be losing one of their reference points in build-up. That would force a rethink in midfield structure, not just personnel.
In other words, this would not be like-for-like. It would be a decision about what Chelsea want their midfield to be.
Other reports suggest Arsenal are still active in the market, which adds another layer here. If Zubimendi is genuinely under consideration elsewhere, any Chelsea interest could quickly become complicated. Midfield targets of that level rarely stay simple once multiple elite clubs are in the frame.
For now, this remains transfer speculation, not a confirmed move. But it is a rumour worth watching because it links two possible stories at once: Manchester City potentially reshaping their midfield options, and Chelsea preparing for life after Enzo Fernández if the market suddenly moves.