Man City have not made any attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Real Madrid were deemed the favourites to secure the 25-year-old’s services, but the La Liga giants put out a statement earlier this week saying they have “no intention” of making a move for him this summer.
That led to reports that the Cityzens (and even Arsenal) could make an approach for Fernandez instead.
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However, it looks like the midfielder will not be making the switch to the Etihad, as things stand.
Man City are “not in conversations” to sign Fernandez
Enzo Maresca’s side have already broken their transfer record to bring in a midfielder, but there have been claims that a second signing could be brought in to strengthen the club’s options in that position.
Despite the speculation about Fernandez, though, Romano has played down talk that the Chelsea player is under consideration:
“Can Enzo Fernandez go to Manchester City? Many of you are asking me if they can go for Enzo after Elliot Anderson in midfield.”
“At the moment, it’s cold between Enzo and Man City. I know some colleagues have reported about that already months ago and in the recent weeks, but I am told Man City are not in conversations with Enzo Fernandez.”
Bouaddi appears to be the top priority
Several midfielders have been mentioned as targets in recent days, including Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.
However, it does seem as if Ayyoub Bouaddi is at the top of the shortlist, with conversations having been held with his club Lille.
City are reportedly considering letting him stay on loan with the Ligue 1 side for a year, which could reduce the cost of the deal from €100m (£86m) to €80m (£69m). The Moroccan international would, therefore, be much cheaper than Fernandez, whose asking price has been set at £120m.
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