Manchester City continue to keep Enzo Fernández on their radar as the summer transfer window draws to a close, even though they failed to submit a formal bid before Chelsea’s internal deadline last week. The English champions are now weighing whether to make a last‑minute approach before the official window shuts on September 1, after choosing to sit out the earlier cut‑off set by the Blues. Fernández, the Argentine midfielder who helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, is no longer able to leave Stamford Bridge automatically under the £120 million clause that was agreed with his agents back in May.
That clause expired at 5 p.m. on Friday, meaning the pre‑arranged exit route has vanished, but the broader transfer market remains open for negotiations until the final deadline on Tuesday. The young playmaker’s recent appearance for Chelsea was met with a mixed reception.
In a 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, sections of the home crowd greeted his entrance with boos, a clear sign that some supporters are still uneasy about his future at the club. The Argentine’s reputation suffered a blow last season when he was suspended for two games after publicly questioning his role while on international duty, a move that fueled speculation about a possible departure. Real Madrid were also linked with Fernández earlier in the summer, but the Spanish giants officially dismissed any interest in early July, issuing a statement that they would not pursue the midfielder.
Meanwhile, City have turned their attention to other targets to refresh their midfield, notably Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 21‑year‑old Moroccan international currently at Lille. Reports suggest Lille are asking for roughly £85 million for Bouaddi, a figure that was confirmed in discussions between the clubs when Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti spoke publicly over the weekend.
In addition to Bouaddi, City are also dealing with the imminent exits of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders. Reijnders is on the verge of a £51 million move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah, while Rodri is set to complete a medical with Barcelona as part of a £65.4 million transfer that will see the Spanish World Cup winner and former Ballon d'Or nominee leave Manchester City after helping the club secure four Premier League crowns and a Champions League title.
Rodri, now 30, is signing a four‑year contract with Barcelona, ending his stay at City where he had only a year left on his deal. Barcelona initially offered around £40 million for the midfielder, which was rejected, followed by a £55 million bid that was also turned down before the final £65.4 million agreement was reached.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have placed a staggering £120 million valuation on Fernández, a figure that has raised eyebrows given that it is nearly double the fee Barcelona paid for Rodri. The discrepancy can be explained by a range of factors that influence player valuations in modern football. According to Sky Sports’ “Between the Lines” analysis, key elements include a player’s age, the length of their contract, recent form, and the relative strength of their current club.
Fernández is only 23, still considered a rising star with a potentially long career ahead, whereas Rodri is nearing the twilight of his prime years. Additionally, Fernández’s contract situation is more complex; the expiry of the automatic release clause has left his future uncertain, prompting Chelsea to protect their investment by demanding a premium price.
The Argentine’s skill set also adds to his market value. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate tempo from deep, Fernández has already demonstrated his capacity to perform at the highest level on both club and international stages.
His performances for Argentina at the World Cup, where he was a pivotal figure in the team’s run to the final, have only heightened his profile. In contrast, while Rodri is a proven winner with a trophy cabinet full of domestic and European honors, his role is more specialized as a defensive midfielder, which can sometimes command a lower price tag compared to a creative playmaker.
City’s decision now hinges on whether they can convince Chelsea to negotiate a deal that reflects both clubs’ valuations and the player’s wishes. With the window closing in just a few days, any agreement would need to be reached swiftly, potentially involving add‑on clauses, performance‑based bonuses, or a sell‑on percentage to bridge the gap between the £120 million asking price and what City might be willing to pay.
If City do manage to secure Fernández, it would bolster a midfield that is already stacked with talent, providing a younger, more attacking option alongside established figures like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan. The signing would also signal City’s intent to remain at the forefront of European football by investing in the next generation of elite midfielders.
Conversely, if the deal falls through, Fernández could remain at Chelsea for the upcoming season, where he would be expected to play a central role in the club’s push for domestic silverware and a deeper run in European competition. Either outcome will have significant implications for the balance of power in the Premier League and across Europe as clubs finalize their squads ahead of the new campaign. In summary, Manchester City are still actively pursuing Enzo Fernández despite missing Chelsea’s internal deadline, while also negotiating other midfield acquisitions such as Ayyoub Bouaddi. The final weeks of the transfer window will determine whether the Argentine makes a high‑profile move to the Etihad or stays at Stamford Bridge, with financial considerations, contract details, and strategic ambitions all playing crucial roles in the eventual decision.