Enzo Fernandez
CM • Linked with a move to Manchester City
Enzo Fernández's Chelsea future is under scrutiny again, this time with Manchester City rather than Real Madrid driving the interest. City are believed willing to fund a move in the region of Chelsea's £120m valuation, partly by recouping fees from Rodri's ongoing exit talks with Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders' advanced discussions with Al-Qadsiah.
The interest is closely tied to Enzo Maresca, who managed Fernández at Chelsea before his own departure and is understood to want a reunion with him at City. Fernández has previously spoken warmly about Real Madrid, and with his representative Pastore said to be pushing for clarity, Champions League football looks to be the central factor behind his openness to leaving Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had set a deadline for an official bid to arrive. As of the most recent reporting, none had landed, and the club's £120m verbal exit-clause arrangement offered to his camp back in late May has since been withdrawn rather than simply left open.
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Manchester City are still interested in Enzo Fernandez despite their inability to submit a bid for the Argentine on Friday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, it is possible that the City will return next week with a fresh proposal.
Could be more than £120m with a different structure, or maybe something else involved in a deal.
Fabrizio Romano Tier 1
Chelsea are said to be excited about Fernández developing under Xabi Alonso and are not willing to sanction a cut-price sale, viewing him as having a stronger profile than other midfielders linked with moves this summer. A verbal £103.5m offer was turned down.
With a long contract in place, Chelsea feel no urgency to sell, though Fernández reportedly wants a significant pay rise and a return to Champions League football after a period of managerial upheaval at the club. For now, Chelsea are said to be treating the situation as having gone quiet, at least until there's fresh movement.
Max (@MaxFSport) Tier 2
Speaking on a Twitch livestream, a source suggested Fernández's situation would be resolved soon.
Playing Champions League football is described as fundamental to his thinking, personal terms with Manchester City are said to be progressing, and City are reportedly ready to commit a significant fee, still tied to the outcome of Rodri's move to Barcelona.
gastonedul (Twitch)
Chelsea have not received any official bid for Fernández as their own deadline passed at 5pm UK time.
The £120m verbal exit clause the club made available to his camp back in late May has now been taken off the table.
Fabrizio Romano
Manchester City are keen on signing Enzó Fernández and could fund much of Chelsea's roughly £120m asking price through outgoing deals of their own, with Rodri in talks over a move to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders in advanced discussions with Al-Qadsiah.
Enzo Maresca, who managed Fernández at Chelsea, is said to want a reunion with him at City. Chelsea reportedly set a deadline of 5pm UK time on the Friday for their asking price to stand.
Ben Jacobs
