Chelsea have set a firm deadline for Manchester City, requiring the club to submit any offer for midfielder Enzo Fernandez by 5:00 p.m. this Friday. The Blues are keen to protect their investment and have made it clear that if City do not meet their terms, the player will not be allowed to leave during this transfer window. Manchester City have shown genuine interest in Fernandez, a player who previously worked closely with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresma during his brief spell at Stamford Bridge.
The relationship between the two is well‑known, and City’s scouting department believes the Argentine‑born midfielder could add depth and creativity to Pep Guardiola's side. Chelsea have placed a valuation of roughly £120 million on Fernandez, who still has six years remaining on his current contract.
The club originally secured his services in the winter of 2023, paying around £107 million to Benfica for the talented central midfielder. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Chelsea midfield, contributing both defensively and in attack.
If Manchester City fail to match Chelsea’s financial expectations, the Blues have indicated they will retain Fernandez until at least the next season, effectively closing the door on a move for him this summer. This stance comes amid a busy transfer period in which several high‑profile targets are being chased by both clubs. Barcelona, for instance, have been negotiating for Manchester City captain Rodri. After a £40 million offer was turned down, the Catalan side appear ready to increase their bid to somewhere between £50 million and £60 million (approximately €60‑70 million).
The renewed interest in Rodri could force City to act quickly on Fernandez before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday, 1 September. City’s own recruitment strategy remains aggressive.
They have already secured the signing of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson for a reported £116 million, bolstering their central midfield options. In addition, the club is in ongoing discussions with Lille about Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a young talent who could provide further depth. Chelsea’s decision to impose a deadline is also motivated by the desire to avoid the distractions that plagued their previous transfer dealings.
Relations between the two clubs have been strained ever since the contentious departure of Enzo Maresma from Chelsea. City paid a £17 million compensation package to secure Maresma’s services earlier this summer, after he resigned from Chelsea with three and a half years left on his contract. The fallout from his exit, which was announced on New Year’s Day, left both clubs wary of prolonged negotiations.
By setting a clear cut‑off time, Chelsea hope to give their new manager, Xabi Alonso, and his squad the space to focus on pre‑season preparations without the constant media speculation that accompanies transfer sagas. The club believes interested parties have already had more than two months to make an approach, and they are unwilling to let the process drag on any longer. Fernandez’s situation has also been complicated by recent off‑field comments. In April, the midfielder was dropped from the squad for two matches after he expressed a desire to live in Madrid, sparking speculation about a possible move to Real Madrid.
Both Fernandez and his agent later issued apologies, stating that the remarks were made in the context of seeking improved contract terms at Chelsea. Real Madrid themselves released a statement earlier this summer denying any intention to sign the player. Despite these distractions, Fernandez remains a highly valued asset for Chelsea. The club’s high valuation reflects both his on‑field contributions and the potential resale value should a top club decide to meet their asking price.
With his contract now entering its final year, the market for his services is expected to intensify. Manchester City, aware of the ticking clock, must weigh the cost of meeting Chelsea’s £120 million demand against the benefits of adding a versatile midfielder to an already strong squad.
Their recent interest in other midfielders, such as the aforementioned Bouaddi and the possible pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Tijjani Reijnders, indicates a broader strategy to reinforce the middle of the park. The deadline also serves a practical purpose for Chelsea’s management.
By establishing a firm end‑point, they can avoid the scenario that unfolded when Maresma’s abrupt departure forced the club to scramble for a replacement mid‑season. This approach allows Alonso and his coaching staff to concentrate on tactical planning, player integration, and the upcoming Premier League campaign without the lingering uncertainty of a major transfer negotiation. In summary, Chelsea have given Manchester City until 5 p.m.
on Friday to present a concrete offer for Enzo Fernandez, valued at around £120 million. Should City decline or fail to meet the price, the midfielder will stay at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the current window. Meanwhile, the broader transfer market remains active, with Barcelona poised to raise their bid for Rodri and other clubs eyeing various midfield targets.
The deadline underscores Chelsea’s determination to protect their assets, maintain squad stability, and allow their new managerial team to focus on the challenges of the upcoming season.