Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester City have reportedly not given up hope of signing Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez as the transfer window nears its end.
BBC and Sky Sports both report that the Premier League giants are still keen on the Argentina midfielder, despite missing the deadline set by the Blues to bid for the player they value at £120m (A$229m).
The transfer window remains open until September 1, with the World Cup winner set to stay at Stamford Bridge as things stand.
Fernandez was booed by some in Chelsea’s crowd as Xabi Alonso’s men beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in a friendly over the weekend – and his future has been a hot topic throughout this off-season.
SUPERCOACH EPL: JOIN THE FOOTBALL360 LEAGUE TODAY AND TAKE ON OUR EXPERTS
It has been an unsurprisingly busy window for Manchester City following the departure of long-term boss Pep Guardiola, who has been replaced by former Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
He has been followed out the door by the likes John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and James Trafford, while new arrivals include Jeremy Monga, Mathys Detourbet, Geronimo Rulli and headline signing Elliott Anderson, who was signed for £116 million (A$221m) from Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City really could spend €100M+ on THREE players in the same window 🤯💰 pic.twitter.com/G2FBJ3Jzd5
— LiveScore (@livescore) August 13, 2026
Fernandez remains on their radar as City look set to overhaul their midfield completely, with reports from the BBC (among others) also suggesting the Premier League heavyweights are in ‘advanced talks’ with Lille over a move for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
That report suggests the club wants to get a deal done this week as Rodri’s move to Barcelona edges ever closer, with the Ligue 1 side valuing the midfielder at £85.6m (A$165m).
Bouaddi is another player who has been in the headlines plenty during the past few months, after impressing for Morocco at the World Cup, on the back of a string of impressive performances in Ligue 1 for Lille.
The 18-year-old is a deep-lying midfielder and could be paired with Anderson in the engine room for City.
Fernandes not for sale, United in talks over new deal
Manchester United will not sell Bruno Fernandes at any price in this transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
Reports claim that Turkish outfit Galatasaray were preparing to bid for Portugal star Fernandes, who is now in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford – however, United hold an option to extend his deal for another year.
The 31-year-old broke the Premier League’s all-time assist record last term and is currently the club’s captain.
Manchester United are in contract talks with Bruno Fernandes amid the player receiving a lucrative proposal from Galatasaray.
The Turkish club offered the 31-year-old a salary of €20million (£17.1m;$23.2m) a year, but Fernandes wants to remain at United and is in discussions… pic.twitter.com/CVb2xZGTU6
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) August 17, 2026
Sky Sports suggest Fernandes had a £57m (A$109m) release clause for foreign clubs in his contract, but it has now expired.
Meanwhile, The Athletic report that United are in talks with the midfielder over a new deal.
United open their Premier League campaign this Saturday night AEST against Hull City.
SUPERCOACH EPL: TAKE ON DANIEL GARB IN THE FOOTBALL360 LEAGUE. START PLAYING TODAY!
Rodri lands in Barcelona ahead of move
World Cup-winning captain Rodri has now landed in Barcelona ahead of his move from City.
Speaking to media at the airport, he said: “I’m happy to be here; it’s been a few intense days, and I’m thrilled to be here.
“Playing for Barcelona is a dream. We’re going for the Champions League and everything else that comes our way.”
Rodri is set for a medical before signing a four-year deal with the LaLiga champions, sealing a move reportedly for a fee of £65.4m (A$125m).