Chelsea have signaled that they are open to parting with Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez should Manchester City present a valuation they deem satisfactory, and they are also keen to use any proceeds to bolster their own squad before the transfer window shuts. While no formal negotiations between the two clubs have been reported so far, the Blues chose to leave Fernandez out of their Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town on Thursday, a decision that has fueled speculation about his future. After the match, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso praised Fernandez as a "good professional" who has been training diligently. He added that the club will decide closer to the weekend whether the midfielder will be available for the upcoming Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite missing Chelsea's internal deadline of 14 August to submit a bid for the player, Manchester City have continued to express interest, indicating that the English giants remain keen to secure his services. Earlier in the summer, Chelsea had reached an understanding with Fernandez's representatives that the club would consider a £120 million offer by the set deadline.
However, no such proposal materialised, leaving the transfer window still open for further discussions. Alonso also emphasized that the club is "prepared for whatever" happens with any players who might depart before the cut‑off date, underscoring a pragmatic approach to squad management. In terms of potential replacements for the midfield void, Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Both of those clubs have reportedly placed high price tags on their assets, describing them as "unsellable" at the moment, which could complicate any immediate moves. Meanwhile, Manchester City are also tracking Alex Scott as a midfield option, alongside Roma’s young talent Manu Kone, as they look to reinforce the centre of the park after the departure of Rodri to Barcelona earlier this month.
The need for a robust central midfield has become even more pressing for City following Rodri’s exit, prompting a flurry of activity in the transfer market. Recent headlines have highlighted several high‑profile moves: Nico González left for Newcastle United in a deal that could rise to £50 million, Tijjani Reijnders transferred to Al Qadsiah for around £51 million, and veteran Bernardo Silva departed on a free transfer to join Real Madrid after his contract expired. In addition, City broke the world‑record for a teenager by paying £86 million for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, and they secured England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million.
Returning to Chelsea, the club has also confirmed a £7.5 million agreement with Aston Villa for goalkeeper Emi Martínez. The move is seen as a reaction to growing criticism of first‑choice keeper Robert Sánchez after a costly mistake in a recent win over Fulham. Martínez, who became available after Villa signed Japanese prospect Zion Suzuki from Parma for nearly £30 million, was also linked with Juventus, though the Italian side ultimately opted for Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur. This development raises questions about the future of both Sánchez and backup keeper Mike Penders at Stamford Bridge.
Penders started the Carabao Cup tie against Luton on Thursday, while Sánchez featured in the league win against Fulham. Alonso clarified in his post‑match press conference that the decision to omit Fernandez from the squad was purely tactical.
"It was just because of the game," he explained, adding that other players needed minutes. When asked about the timing of his choice, the manager replied, "In the afternoon.
It's a decision that I took. Enzo is a good professional.
He's training well and I have nothing to say about this. It was just decisions that we have to take thinking about the game that we were playing tonight. We will see for Sunday." Overall, Chelsea appear to be navigating a complex transfer landscape, balancing the desire to cash in on a valuable asset like Fernandez while also addressing gaps in the squad, particularly in goalkeeping and midfield.
Manchester City, on the other hand, continue to pursue a comprehensive midfield overhaul, targeting both established names and promising youngsters to replace the departing Rodri. As the window draws to a close, both clubs will need to make decisive moves to shape their squads for the upcoming season.