Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Finally, months into the summer window, Manchester City have tabled a bid to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea. The Argentine has been angling for a move ever since the March international break.
But back in March, his hopes were for a move to Real Madrid. His continued flirting coincided with the poor form at Chelsea under Liam Rosenior, and it resulted in a two-game ban under the former boss.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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This summer, Madrid confirmed in a statement that they would not be pursuing a deal for Fernandez. With Fernandez still at the World Cup, it felt as if he would now remain at Chelsea given his price tag.
But with Fernandez back at Chelsea for pre-season training, suggestions of a move to Man City and a reunion with Enzo Maresca have ramped up. Chelsea put a 5pm Friday deadline in place for City.
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Man City table Fernandez bid: It does not meet the asking price
Chelsea feel that clubs who want to sign Fernandez have had the entire summer to do so and want the saga put to bed a week before the start of the Premier League season. They have set their own deadline.
Chelsea FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
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According to South American reporter Cesar Luis Merlo on Tribuna’s website, Man City have tabled an offer worth 120m Euros for Fernandez. A fee that equates to around £102.5m for the World Cup winner.
Obviously, they have attempted to beat the deadline with the offer, but it falls around £17.5m short of Chelsea’s asking price. Given Chelsea’s stubbornness in setting a deadline, compromise feels unlikely.
Why Brendan Rodgers could play a key role in Fernandez move
Chelsea’s stance has been clear for some time. Pay the £120m fee, or 139m Euros, or forget about a deal for Fernandez. City obviously have plenty of cash to spend, but are they going to meet his price tag?
Enzo Fernandez's agent on his future at Chelsea
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Well, Brendan Rodgers can help with that. Reports claim the former Chelsea coach is attempting to bring Tijjani Reijnders to his Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al Qadsiyah, just a year after he joined Man City.
He will cost a big fee, and that may just give City the financial means to increase their Fernandez bid. That, and the sale of the Netherlands midfielder makes room for Fernandez in Maresca’s Man City squad.