Chelsea have indicated they are willing to part ways with Enzo Fernandez if Manchester City meets a valuation they consider appropriate, and they hope to strengthen their own roster before the transfer window shuts. While no formal negotiations between the two clubs have been reported, the Argentine midfielder was omitted from Chelsea's Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town on Thursday, sparking 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 a decision regarding the player's availability for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton will be made closer to the date, suggesting the club is still weighing options. Manchester City remain interested despite having missed the August 14 deadline to submit a bid for the 23‑year‑old.
Chelsea had previously reached an understanding with Fernandez's representatives that a fee of around £120 million would be acceptable before the deadline, but no offer materialised in time. Alonso reiterated that the Blues are prepared for any outcome concerning players who might leave before the window closes. In terms of reinforcements, Chelsea have identified a few midfield targets. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have been mentioned as potential signings, although both of their current clubs have indicated they are not keen to sell.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are also tracking Alex Scott as part of their own midfield overhaul, alongside Roma's Manu Kone, as they look to replace the departing Rodri, who joined Barcelona earlier this month. The need to bolster central midfield has become even more pressing for City after Rodri's exit. Recent activity in the market shows City have been busy: they secured Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a world‑record £86 million for a teenager, and they completed the £116 million acquisition of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. At the same time, they have seen departures such as Nico González to Newcastle for up to £50 million, Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for £51 million, and the exit of Bernardo Silva after his contract expired, who subsequently joined Real Madrid.
Alonso explained his decision to leave Fernandez out of the Carabao Cup squad, stating it was purely a tactical choice based on the needs of that particular match. "It was just because of the game," he said, adding that other squad members required minutes.
He confirmed the decision was made that afternoon and emphasized that Fernandez remains a professional who trains well, leaving his future involvement in the Sunday game open. Chelsea have also been active in the goalkeeping department. They have agreed to a £7.5 million deal with Aston Villa for the services of Emi Martínez, following criticism of current No 1 Robert Sánchez after an error in the recent win over Fulham.
Martínez became available after Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for nearly £30 million. Juventus had shown interest in Martínez but ultimately opted for Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. The goalkeeper situation at Stamford Bridge now appears uncertain. Both Sánchez and backup keeper Mike Penderi have featured recently—Penderi started the cup tie against Luton, while Sánchez was in goal for the league win at Fulham.
Their status for the remainder of the season remains to be clarified. Overall, Chelsea are navigating a complex transfer window.
They must balance the potential sale of a high‑profile midfielder, the acquisition of new talent to improve squad depth, and the resolution of the goalkeeping dilemma. Manchester City, on the other hand, continue to chase Fernandez while also reshaping their midfield after Rodri's departure, making several high‑value signings and managing notable exits.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Chelsea secure the right price for Fernandez and whether the club can bring in the players they need to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.