Chelsea have signaled that they are willing to part ways with Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, should Manchester City present an offer that meets the club's valuation, and provided they can still strengthen their own roster before the transfer window shuts. While no formal discussions between the two clubs have been reported, the Blues have already taken a subtle cue by leaving Fernandez out of the squad for Thursday's Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town. After the win, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso praised the Argentine as "a good professional" who has been training diligently, but he also hinted that a decision regarding his availability for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton would be taken closer to matchday. Alonso’s comments suggest that the coaching staff are keeping their options open, balancing the desire to keep a talented player in the squad with the potential financial and strategic benefits of a sale.
Manchester City’s interest in Fernandez has persisted despite the fact that Chelsea’s internal deadline of 14 August – the date by which the club had agreed with the player’s representatives that a £120 million deal could be concluded – passed without an offer materialising. The lack of a formal bid does not appear to have dampened City’s pursuit, as the Premier League champions continue to scout for a creative midfield presence to replace the void left by Rodri’s recent move to Barcelona. Alonso also addressed the broader transfer strategy ahead of the Luton match, stating that Chelsea are "prepared for whatever" happens with any players who might depart before the window closes.
Among the midfielders being monitored are Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Both clubs have publicly declared those players unsellable, which could complicate any potential negotiations.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have identified Alex Scott as a potential target as well, alongside Roma’s Manu Kone, highlighting the competitive nature of the market for quality central midfielders. The importance of bolstering the centre of the park cannot be overstated for City. With Rodri’s exit, the English giants have been actively seeking a successor who can blend defensive solidity with the ability to drive forward play.
Their recent activity underscores this urgency: they have secured the services of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a world‑record £86 million for a teenager, and they completed the £116 million signing of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. In addition, the club has seen the departure of several senior players – Nico González to Newcastle for up to £50 million, Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for £51 million, and Bernardo Silva, who left on a free transfer to join Real Madrid after his contract expired. Back at Chelsea, the club has also moved to address the goalkeeper position. They have agreed on a £7.5 million deal with Aston Villa to bring in Emi Martínez, following criticism of current No 1 Robert Sánchez after a costly mistake in the recent win over Fulham.
Martínez, who became available after Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for nearly £30 million, was also linked with Juventus, though the Italian side ultimately opted for Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. The goalkeeper situation raises further questions about the future of both Sánchez and backup keeper Mike Penderi, who started the Carabao Cup tie against Luton.
Their status for the remainder of the season remains uncertain, especially as Chelsea look to solidify their defensive options. In summary, Chelsea appear to be navigating a delicate balancing act: they are open to off‑loading Enzo Fernandez for a price that reflects his market value, while simultaneously seeking to reinforce key areas of the squad before the transfer deadline. Manchester City, on the other hand, continue to chase a midfield replacement for Rodri, keeping Fernandez on their radar despite missing the initial deadline. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether a deal materialises, and how both clubs will reshape their line‑ups as the season progresses.