There is a growing sense that City are willing to back their interest with a significant financial package. The club's recruitment team has been tasked with identifying players who can seamlessly integrate into a high-possession system, and Fernandez fits the profile of a City-style technician perfectly.
For Chelsea, losing a player of Fernandez's caliber to a direct Premier League rival would represent a major blow. However, the West London club’s ongoing need to balance the books and streamline their massive squad could theoretically open the door for negotiations if a substantial offer is presented.