Chelsea have reportedly set a dramatic deadline for Manchester City to make an offer for Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with the London club demanding £120 million for the World Cup winner.
The development has intensified speculation over Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge, with Manchester City understood to be seriously interested in bringing the midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea have reportedly made their position clear to City and the player’s camp. Any club hoping to sign Fernandez must meet the £120 million valuation by 5pm on Friday, August 14, or Chelsea will keep the Argentine midfielder at the club...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The situation has created another major transfer story involving two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Manchester City are looking at Fernandez as they consider strengthening their midfield, while Chelsea are reluctant to lose one of their most important players unless their substantial financial demand is met.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in January 2023 after establishing himself as one of the standout midfielders at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Argentina win the tournament. Chelsea paid a British record fee at the time to bring him from Benfica to Stamford Bridge.
Since arriving in England, Fernandez has become an important figure in Chelsea’s midfield and has continued to play a major role for the club.
The possibility of his departure has therefore generated significant debate among Chelsea supporters, particularly because replacing a player of his quality could prove extremely expensive in an increasingly inflated transfer market.
Manchester City’s interest is understood to be linked to their plans for the midfield, with the club potentially facing major changes in that area of the squad.
The situation has also become more interesting because former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is now in charge at Manchester City. Maresca worked with Fernandez during his time at Stamford Bridge, and the midfielder’s potential move would add another intriguing dimension to the transfer saga.
Chelsea, however, appear determined not to be pressured into selling. By setting a specific deadline and maintaining a £120 million valuation, the club has effectively placed the decision in Manchester City’s hands.
City must now decide whether Fernandez is worth the huge investment or whether to walk away from the deal and pursue alternative midfield targets.
For Fernandez, the situation could become one of the biggest decisions of his Chelsea career. A move to Manchester City would give him the opportunity to work under Maresca again and compete for major honours with another Premier League powerhouse.
Remaining at Chelsea, meanwhile, would allow him to continue playing a central role in the club’s plans under their new manager.
With the Friday deadline approaching, attention will now turn to Manchester City to see whether the club is prepared to meet Chelsea’s £120 million demand.
If City fail to submit an acceptable offer before the deadline, Chelsea have indicated that Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge.
The transfer saga could therefore reach a dramatic conclusion within days, with £120 million standing between Manchester City and one of the most expensive midfield transfers the Premier League has seen.
