Manchester City continue to monitor Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as the summer transfer window draws to a close, despite having missed the club’s own deadline to submit a formal bid. The English champions will have to decide in the next two weeks whether to make a last‑minute attempt to secure the Argentine’s services before the window shuts on September 1. Chelsea’s deadline for negotiating a £120 million deal with Fernandez – a figure that was agreed with his agents back in May – expired at 5 p.m.
on Friday. That cut‑off meant the Blues could no longer entertain a move to Manchester City under the terms previously discussed.
However, the overall transfer window remains open until the end of the month, leaving a narrow window for any further activity. Fernandez’s recent appearance for Chelsea was marked by a mixed reaction from the home crowd. He entered the pitch during a 3‑1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday and was greeted with boos from a vocal section of supporters.
The reaction reflects lingering uncertainty about his future, especially after the Argentine was suspended for two games toward the end of last season. The suspension came after he hinted at a possible departure while on international duty, a move that sparked speculation about interest from other top clubs. Real Madrid was among the suitors rumored to be watching the 23‑year‑old, but the Spanish giants officially dismissed any pursuit in early July, issuing a statement that ruled out a transfer. Since then, the focus has shifted back to Manchester City, who remain determined to add Fernandez to their midfield ranks.
In parallel with the Fernandez saga, City are also engaged in negotiations with French side Lille over the transfer of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Blues are looking to reinforce their squad after confirming that they will lose several key players in the coming months. Lille have reportedly set a price tag of around £85 million for Bouaddi, and the clubs’ respective head coaches, including City’s Pep Guardiola and Lille’s Davide Ancelotti, have confirmed that talks are ongoing.
Another departure on the horizon is Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is expected to join Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah for a fee of roughly £51 million. Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Rodri is poised to complete a £65.4 million move back to Barcelona, having already undergone his medical in the Catalan capital. Rodri, a former Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion with Spain, has been a cornerstone of City’s recent success, helping the club secure four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. He is set to sign a four‑year contract with Barcelona, ending his time at Manchester City where he had only one year left on his deal.
The contrast between the valuations of Rodri and Fernandez has sparked debate among pundits. While Rodri’s fee stands at £65.4 million, Chelsea are demanding nearly double that amount for Fernandez.
Analysts from Sky Sports’ "Between the Lines" explain that a player’s transfer price is influenced by a range of factors, including age, length of contract, recent form, and the relative strength of the selling club. Fernandez, being younger and still under a longer contract, commands a premium despite having less senior experience than the 30‑year‑old Rodri. "Youth and potential upside are heavily weighted in modern transfer economics," one analyst noted.
"Clubs are willing to pay more for a player who could develop into a world‑class talent over the next five to ten years, especially when the selling club is a top‑tier team like Chelsea that can negotiate from a position of strength." The ongoing discussions around Fernandez also highlight Manchester City’s broader strategy in the transfer market. With Rodri’s departure confirmed and Reijnders set to leave, Guardiola’s side must find suitable replacements to maintain their midfield balance. The pursuit of Bouaddi reflects an intention to inject fresh creativity and energy, while also preparing for the inevitable squad turnover that comes with the end of a successful era.
Fans of both clubs will be watching the final days of the window closely. Should City decide to submit a revised bid for Fernandez, they would need to meet Chelsea’s valuation and convince the Argentine that a move to the Etihad offers a compelling project.
For Fernandez, the decision will hinge on playing time, the chance to compete for titles, and the overall direction of the clubs involved. As the deadline approaches, the football world remains attentive to how these high‑profile negotiations will shape the upcoming season.
Whether Manchester City ultimately secures Enzo Fernandez or looks elsewhere for midfield reinforcement, the summer transfer window promises to deliver drama, strategic maneuvering, and the occasional surprise as clubs scramble to finalize their squads before the September cut‑off.