Chelsea transfer news: Maresca makes Enzo Fernandez his number one target
Chelsea transfer news: Manchester City are working to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer, and according to a report shared on X, the 25-year-old Argentine is fully open to making the switch. City have reportedly opened negotiations to secure his services, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca driving the move after agreeing a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The pair built a strong working relationship during Maresca‘s spell at Stamford Bridge, and the Italian is wasting no time in targeting his former captain. The source on X stated that direct talks have already taken place between Maresca and Fernandez, with the midfielder described as his absolute priority for this window and someone who is one hundred per cent willing to move.
Fernandez has delivered 15 goals and seven assists for Chelsea in the current campaign, emerging as the main creative force in their attack alongside Joao Pedro. He joined Chelsea for €121 million in January 2023 with the ambition of winning silverware, and the only trophy he lifted came under Maresca’s management.
Chelsea would demand a fee in the region of £90 million or higher before entering any serious negotiations, making this one of the bigger deals of the summer. The Independent’s Miguel Delaney has also reported that City may only look for Fernandez if Rodri departs, with Real Madrid said to be interested in the Spanish midfielder.
Chelsea transfer news: What Xabi Alonso and the club want?
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso does not want Fernandez to leave Stamford Bridge, and has reportedly identified him as one of five leaders within the squad. Alonso has signed a four-year contract starting 1 July, and reports suggest he could be powerless to stop a departure if Fernandez pushes for an exit. Alonso has made clear that players must commit fully to the project, his way or the exit door, and Fernandez was already suspended for two matches earlier in the season for public comments about his future.
Chelsea eyeing summer transfer of Man City star
My take: What will realistically happen in the summer of 2026?
This situation sits on a knife-edge, and here is where I think things land. Xabi Alonso taking over Chelsea is a genuinely exciting appointment, and the smart move for Fernandez is to stay and build something real under a manager of that calibre. Alonso wants him, rates him, and has a project worth buying into. Selling him to a direct Premier League rival is something Chelsea should resist firmly, regardless of the fee.
However, Maresca clearly holds serious influence over Fernandez, and that bond is not trivial. Fernandez is contracted at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2032, so Chelsea hold the full cards here. Realistically, Real Madrid represent the more likely destination if Fernandez does leave, because at least that preserves some goodwill.
Chelsea close to completing first transfer of Alonso era
A move to City would be a bitter pill for Chelsea supporters to swallow. My prediction is that Chelsea hold firm this window, Alonso gets his man, and this story fades, at least until January. The latest Chelsea transfer news suggests the club are prepared to fight hard to keep him.