REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images
Manchester City are expected to launch a fresh bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this week, as Enzo Maresca's side cash in on several first team stars.
The Argentine international was named as a substitute on Monday night, when Chelsea got their season off to a winning start with a 3-2 derby victory against West London rivals Fulham.
Xabi Alonso opted for Romeo Lavia and Reece James at the heart of midfield under the lights at Craven Cottage, with Fernandez's place on the bench fuelling the fire of talk over a potential summer exit.
Man City prepare fresh Enzo Fernandez bid
Reuters/Matthew Childs
Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the saga. Man City have been linked with a swoop for Fernandez throughout the summer, but appeared to have missed the unofficial deadline set by Chelsea earlier this month.
In his briefing on Monday morning, Romano said: "The information I can give you today is that for Enzo Fernandez things are happening.
"There was a verbal exit clause for £120million. Man City did not agree to pay that money on that day. So, the story about the £120million clause collapsed on that day. But from Chelsea, the message now as I told you in the last video, is 'we could still consider the exit if we get the right money and if we can improve the squad'. That's the message from Chelsea."
Romano adds that Man City are buoyed by the sales of Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and Rodri, with the departure of Bernardo Silva as a free agent also freeing up space on the wage bill. Savinho and Oumar Marmoush are also expected to exit the Etihad Stadium this week as Enzo Maresca conducts an overhaul of his squad.
Romano added: "Enzo says yes to Manchester City. From Enzo there is a green light to the move. From Enzo there is a green light to the contract for from Enzo there is a green light on personal terms. So Manchester City are ready to beat the game and to return very, very strong for Enzo Fernandez and that's a big story because we have to see what's going to happen."
Man City have already spent significant sums on the signings of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, Mathys Detourbet from Troyes and Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, with Ayyoub Bouaddi also set to come through the door from Lille.
Enzo Fernandez's Monday night at Fulham
Fernandez named on bench for first time in Premier League fixture since December 2025
Midfielder booed by fans at Craven Cottage, having knocked England out of World Cup with Argentina
Fernandez brought on for Romeo Lavia in 65th minute
Alonso, when asked about player after full-time, said: “We will see. My wish is that we know what will happen for the future but we will see this week.”
A move to the Etihad Stadium would see Fernandez reunited with former Chelsea manager Maresca. The player is believed to have given the green light to the switch and is keen to move on from Stamford Bridge, despite having another six years on his Chelsea deal.
Maresca had labelled the Argentine as 'fantastic' and a 'leader' when working with the Blues, praising the player's work both on and off the ball.
The Man City manager has remained coy when asked about a potential move for the midfielder. Earlier this month, the manager said: "In this moment I have to give you the same answer since day one, which will be always the same.
"He is a player from another club and I don't think it's correct to talk about other players. I'm not going to say anything about players who are not with us."