Chelsea have given Manchester City until 5pm on Friday to make an offer for midfielder Enzo Fernandez if they want to sign him before the summer transfer window closes.
Chelsea value the Argentina international at £120m and have made it clear that they will not consider selling him if City fail to meet their valuation by the deadline.
Fernandez has six years remaining on his Chelsea contract and remains an important part of the club’s plans under new manager Xabi Alonso.
City have been monitoring the midfielder, who previously enjoyed a strong relationship with Enzo Maresca during the Italian’s time as Chelsea manager. Maresca has since left Stamford Bridge to take charge of Manchester City, with the Premier League champions reportedly paying Chelsea £17m in compensation for his appointment.
The possibility of City making a move for Fernandez has increased following Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri. The Spanish club have already had a £40m bid for the City midfielder rejected, raising questions over whether Guardiola’s side could look to strengthen their midfield should Rodri leave.
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City, however, already have alternatives in mind and are in talks with Lille over Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. They have also completed the £116m signing of central midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea’s decision to impose a Friday deadline is understood to be aimed at avoiding a prolonged transfer saga and ensuring that Alonso and his squad can focus on the new season.
The club’s hierarchy reportedly believes interested clubs have had almost two months to make their intentions known and does not want uncertainty over Fernandez’s future to disrupt preparations.
Chelsea signed Fernandez from Benfica for around £107m in January 2023, making him one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history.
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The midfielder was briefly dropped by Chelsea for two matches in April after he said he would welcome the possibility of living in Madrid. Fernandez and his agent subsequently apologised, with the player also seeking improved terms at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid have since ruled out a move for the Argentine, releasing a statement earlier in the summer denying reports that they intended to pursue him.
With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, September 1, City now face a decision over whether to meet Chelsea’s £120m valuation or abandon their interest in Fernandez for this window.
