Chelsea has given Manchester City until 5pm UK time on Friday to meet their £120 million valuation of Enzo Fernández or abandon efforts to sign the Argentina midfielder this summer.
The deadline has been independently reported by Sky Sports, The Telegraph and football. London, confirming that Chelsea want clarity over Fernández’s future before the new Premier League season gets underway.
Manchester City are interested in the 25-year-old and have been exploring a possible deal as uncertainty continues over the future of Rodri, who is being pursued by Barcelona. Fernández also enjoyed a strong relationship with current City manager Enzo Maresca during the Italian’s spell in charge of Chelsea
Sky Sports reports that the London club values Fernández at £120 million and has informed City that an offer must arrive by Friday evening. If Chelsea’s demands are not met, the club does not intend to sell the midfielder during the current transfer window.
Football.london similarly reports that the deadline applies not only to Manchester City but also to any other club interested in Fernández, with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso keen to have the midfielder’s future resolved before the start of the league campaign.
Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for about £107 million and still has six years remaining on his contract, leaving the Stamford Bridge club in a strong negotiating position.
Reports of City’s interest have intensified amid Barcelona’s attempts to sign Rodri. The Guardian reported that City are considering Fernández as a possible replacement should the Spanish midfielder leave the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea’s decision to impose an early deadline is also intended to prevent the saga from disrupting preparations for the season. According to Sky Sports, the club believes interested teams have had sufficient time to make their intentions clear and wants Alonso and his squad focused on football once the deadline passes.
Should no £120 million deal materialise by Friday evening, Fernández is expected to remain at Chelsea and be available for the club’s Premier League opener against Fulham.
