Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
The Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City saga may not be over yet despite Chelsea’s deadline passing.
Earlier this week, Chelsea briefed to the media that anyone wanting to sign Fernandez would have to pay £120m for his signature by 5pm on Friday.
However, no one came forward, so that should have been the end of it. But that does not actually seem to be the case.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
Man City inform Enzo Maresca they’re still doing all they can to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that City have told Enzo Maresca that they are still doing everything in their power to sign Fernandez this summer.
Fernandez is a top target for Maresca, who had a good relationship with the midfielder when he was Chelsea manager.
Chelsea fans may have actually pushed Fernandez closer to the exit door after Saturday’s 3-1 win against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea runs
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Some Chelsea supporters booed Fernandez, and things are only likely to get worse for the 25-year-old once the season starts.
While Chelsea fans will not be angry at him forever if he stays, Fernandez will be a target for other supporters after all the controversy surrounding England’s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
READ MORE:The one change Xabi Alonso needs to make for Chelsea’s Premier League game vs Fulham
What Chelsea should do if £120m offer arrives
Will Chelsea stand firm or cave in? It is a decision they are going to have to make if City deliver a £120m offer for Fernandez between now and the end of the transfer window.
After their self-imposed deadline, it has to be the former; otherwise, the club are going to look like such fools.
Also, if City leave it late, it is going to be hard to replace Fernandez. It was going to be a challenge to replace a midfielder of his profile to begin with.
The Argentina international is a midfielder who scores goals. There are not too many of those lying around, which is why City want Fernandez and why Chelsea want to keep hold of him.