Chelsea have yet to receive a formal proposal from Manchester City for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, and the club’s self‑imposed deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday is fast approaching. City have shown a clear interest in the 25‑year‑old, a player who previously enjoyed a strong rapport with Enzo Maresca during his tenure as Chelsea manager.
Chelsea have placed a valuation of roughly £120 million on Fernandez, who still has six years remaining on his current contract. Earlier on Friday, ahead of the Community Shield clash with Arsenal, Maresca hinted that Manchester City were unlikely to submit a bid before Chelsea’s stipulated cutoff time. When pressed about the deadline, he responded candidly: “Not today, to be honest – I don’t think we’re going to do anything today.” If City fail to meet Chelsea’s asking price, the Blues have made it clear they have no intention of parting with Fernandez either this summer or during the winter transfer window.
To date, no offers have been tabled for the midfielder this season. The situation is further complicated by Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of Manchester City captain Rodri.
After a £40 million bid was turned down, speculation has risen that City could make a late‑season move for Fernandez before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday, 1 September. Chelsea’s stance on Fernandez is rooted in a combination of financial and sporting considerations. The club originally secured his services from Benfica in the January 2023 window for around £107 million.
Since then, his performances have helped the team secure a Premier League title, but his contract is now entering its final year, which inevitably raises his market value. Relations between the two clubs have been strained following Maresca’s abrupt departure from Chelsea.
City paid a £17 million compensation package to secure the Spanish coach earlier this summer after he resigned with three and a half years left on his contract at Chelsea. The fallout from that episode has left both sides wary of each other’s intentions. Chelsea imposed the 5 p.m.
deadline as a means of limiting distraction for the club’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, and his squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. The club believes that interested parties have had ample time – roughly two months – to negotiate a deal for Fernandez, and they prefer to resolve the matter quickly so that the team can focus on pre‑season preparations. Fernandez’s recent conduct has also added a layer of complexity.
In April, he was omitted from the matchday squad for two games after publicly stating that he would welcome a move to Madrid. Both the player and his agent later issued apologies, explaining that they were seeking improved contract terms at Chelsea. Real Madrid subsequently denied any intention to sign the midfielder.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have a busy transfer agenda. They are in ongoing discussions with Lille about Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and have already secured the signing of central midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million. The club is also monitoring interest from Nottingham Forest in Tijjani Reijnders and remains aware of other potential targets. Barcelona’s willingness to increase their offer for Rodri – now rumored to be in the £50‑million to £60‑million range – could prompt City to act swiftly on Fernandez before the deadline expires.
However, City have publicly stated they wish to retain the 30‑year‑old captain, even as his contract enters its final year. Chelsea’s high valuation of Fernandez reflects both his on‑field importance and the club’s desire to avoid a repeat of the chaotic transfer saga that unfolded when Maresca left. By setting a firm deadline, Chelsea hopes to either secure a satisfactory fee or retain the player for the coming season, allowing Alonso and his new signings to concentrate on building a cohesive squad. As the clock ticks down, fans of both clubs are left watching closely.
Should City submit an offer that meets Chelsea’s demands before 5 p.m., the deal could be completed before the transfer window shuts. If not, Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues will head into the new campaign with their prized midfielder still in their ranks.
The summer window closes on Tuesday, 1 September, and the outcome of this negotiation will likely have a ripple effect on other pending moves across Europe, especially given the intertwined interests of Manchester City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid in the market for top‑class midfield talent.