Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Manchester City are running out of time to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, with a 5pm deadline set for Friday.
The clock is ticking on Manchester City if they want to pull off a blockbuster deal for Enzo Fernandez. As mentioned, Chelsea have laid down a strict Friday 5pm deadline for any official offers to be made, insisting they won’t let the saga drag into the opening weeks of the season.
City are definitely keen, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eager for a reunion at the Etihad, and background talks between City and Fernandez’s representatives have already taken place.
However, the Blues are refusing to budge on their £120 million valuation. Xabi Alonso is desperate to keep the Argentine midfielder central to his plans and wants a settled squad before their opener against Fulham, leaving the ball firmly in City’s court to put up the money before time runs out.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca is clearing space for Enzo Fernandez
Many believed that Chelsea’s £120 million price tag would put Manchester City off wanting to sign him, but it looks as if Maresca sees it as more of a challenge.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City keen to sign Enzo Fernandez and could recoup much of Chelsea’s £120m asking price via the departures of Rodri (Barcelona second bid rejected but talks ongoing) and Tijjani Reijnders (Al-Qadsiah in advanced talks).
So it seems as if Chelsea’s ultimatum has forced Manchester City into acting quickly, as they look to offload two central midfielders to potentially welcome one in return.
However, the question for Chelsea is who do they replace him with? Of course, there are over seven central midfield options already at the club, but when you have someone of Enzo Fernandez’s experience and caliber, you need a like-for-like replacement to avoid weakening the squad.