Man City remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Man City remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City maintain their interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite missing a critical deadline to submit a formal bid. Chelsea established a cut-off for offers at 5pm last Friday, which passed without a bid from City. While the Blues have since insisted the Argentina international is no longer available, the transfer window remains open until September 1.

Chelsea value Fernandez at £120m. According to AS, the club has enlisted super agent Jorge Mendes to help expedite a deal for the midfielder to join City. TEAMtalk reports that Fernandez is motivated by the prospect of reuniting with Enzo Maresca, viewing him as a head coach who can play to his strengths. Even if a deal is not reached this summer, there is an expectation that the two will work together in the future.

The situation at Stamford Bridge has grown tense. During a 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, Fernandez was booed by sections of the crowd upon entering the game. This reaction is attributed to his behavior during the World Cup when Argentina eliminated England, specifically his decision to cup his ears to opposing fans after scoring in the semi-final.

Fernandez’s relationship with Chelsea has seen previous friction. Toward the end of last season, the club suspended the midfielder for two matches after he cast doubt on his future while on international duty. This occurred amid reports of interest from Real Madrid, though the Spanish club issued an official statement in early July ruling out a move.

Manchester City's pursuit of Fernandez comes as they face a significant void in their own midfield. The club has accepted a £65.4m bid from Barcelona for Rodri, ending the Spaniard's seven-year tenure. Rodri, a former Ballon d'Or holder and four-time Premier League winner, is expected to sign a four-year contract with Barcelona after City's attempts to secure a contract extension failed.

In addition to the Fernandez pursuit, City are in advancing talks with Lille for 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lille is seeking approximately £85m to £85.6m for the teenager, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup. While Lille has requested that Bouaddi return on loan for the coming season, City is opposed to that arrangement. This pursuit follows City's £116m acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

The potential departure of Rodri and the pursuit of Fernandez and Bouaddi highlight a period of heavy investment for City. Tijjani Reijnders is also set to depart for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah for approximately £51m.

At Chelsea, Xabi Alonso is continuing to reshape the squad. The club is bracing for further business before the September 1 deadline to balance books and make room in the roster. Several players face uncertain futures, including striker Liam Delap, whom Chelsea values at £40m. Delap has attracted interest from Everton, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Como.

Other potential departures from Stamford Bridge include:

• Nicolas Jackson: Valued at £60m, the striker has been linked with Atletico Madrid, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.
• Pedro Neto: Chelsea is open to selling the 26-year-old for a valuation of close to £100m, though other reports suggest a £70m asking price. Al-Hilal has shown keen interest and reportedly agreed personal terms with the winger.
• Mykhailo Mudryk: Linked with a loan move to Coventry City, as Chelsea prefers a Premier League destination to ensure he earns regular minutes.
• Benoit Badiashile: Set for a season-long loan to Napoli for £2.6m plus £850,000 in add-ons, with a permanent option for £23.1m.

Chelsea's recent recruitment has drawn criticism from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes questioned the signings of veterans Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, claiming the club "wasted" money on players in their late 30s.

Despite the missed Friday deadline, City manager Enzo Maresca signaled that the club is not finished in the market. Following a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, Maresca stated:

"For sure, we are going to do something before the transfer closes."

Enzo Maresca, Manchester City Manager, via Sky Sports

Should Chelsea eventually sanction a sale of Fernandez, Diario AS reports they would target high-profile replacements such as Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, or Martin Zubimendi.