Enzo Fernandez celebrates
Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring for Chelsea(Image: Visionhaus)
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Chelsea's unofficial deadline to sign Enzo Fernandez has now passed. Blues sources now fully expect the 25-year-old to be part of Xabi Alonso's squad for the upcoming season.
On Wednesday night, Chelsea set Manchester City, and other potential suitors, a Friday, 5pm (UK time) deadline to bid for Fernandez. At the time of writing, the west Londoners, sources say, have received no offers for the Argentina international.
Chelsea laid their terms and conditions out on the table for City and Co. to sign Fernandez. The Blues were willing to do business for £120million but despite Enzo Maresca being keen on reuniting with the midfielder, nothing materialised before the deadline.
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Those terms and conditions are understood to be off the table now.
Now, Chelsea sources expect Fernandez to be part of Alonso's plans for the 2026/27 season, which gets underway on August 24 with a trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.
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Alonso wanted no off-field distractions for him and his squad for their final week of preparation before they make the short trip to their west London neighbours.
Man City had circa 60 days - since the summer transfer window officially opened - to make a move for the Argentina international, but at the time of writing, there have been no offers submitted.
While it was viewed as 'D-Day' for Fernandez's future behind the scenes, it was very much business as usual for the Chelsea midfielder, who trained with his teammates in the sweltering Cobham sunshine on Friday. With City considering their moves in the boardroom regarding Fernandez, the Argentine looked in good spirits at the club's Surrey base.
Whether Man City chance their arm and send a bid to Chelsea post-deadline remains to be seen. But it very much sounds like offers will no longer be entertained.