Chelsea
Manchester City are preparing to step up their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The club are ready to meet his £120m asking price before the transfer window closes, as per latest transfer news.
Man City prepare Enzo Fernandez move
As reported by Football Insider, Manchester City have identified Fernandez as a major target in the final stages of the window and are preparing to accelerate their efforts. Chelsea are open to selling the 25-year-old if their valuation is met. The Blues are demanding £120m for the midfielder, a figure they believe reflects his importance to the squad.
City’s ability to fund a potential deal has improved after the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders. The sales have created room for another major midfield signing as manager Enzo Maresca looks to reshape his options. City have already signed Elliot Anderson this summer but are still looking for further reinforcements. Fernandez has now emerged as one of their leading targets.
It was previously reported on 21 August that City planned to accelerate their pursuit of the Argentina international within days. There is now growing confidence at the Etihad that negotiations could produce an agreement. Chelsea had initially set their £120m valuation partly to discourage interested clubs. However, City’s financial position following their recent sales means they could now be better placed to meet the demand.
Fernandez open to Man City move
Fernandez’s own position could also influence the situation. The midfielder is interested in leaving Stamford Bridge, potentially opening the door for City to make a serious approach. Chelsea’s willingness to consider a sale means the transfer could move quickly if City decide to meet the asking price.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for a British-record fee in 2023 and quickly became a key midfielder. His passing, work rate and control make him an important player. However, Chelsea could still sell him before the deadline. A move would bring in a huge fee, but the club would then need to find a replacement.
For City, the possible signing would provide another top-level option in midfield. Fernandez could add creativity and defensive work, while helping to fill the gap left by Rodri. The Argentine’s experience at the highest level of football could also make him an attractive option for a City side looking to compete across several competitions.
ChelseaChelsea
Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 36 10 4 68
FA Cup 4 2 1 10
EFL Cup 4 0 0 6
Champions League 10 3 2 14
Club World Cup 7 1 3 10
Fernandez not City’s only midfield target
Fernandez is not the only midfielder on Manchester City’s list. The club are also looking at other options as they plan for the future. Rodri’s move to Barcelona has made a new midfielder more important. City want a player who can play deep and help keep the team balanced.
City have also made an enquiry about Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. However, Palace are reportedly unwilling to sell the England international and are expected to demand a substantial fee. Wharton has attracted attention after two impressive seasons at Selhurst Park. City scouts have followed his progress for several years, making him a long-term target for the club.
Fernandez appears to be City’s main option. The club can afford a big signing, but Chelsea’s £120m price remains a major hurdle. With the transfer window closing soon, City must decide if Fernandez is worth the fee. If City meet Chelsea’s demands, the move could become one of the summer’s biggest Premier League transfers. For now, Fernandez remains at Chelsea, but City’s interest could make his future a major talking point before the deadline.
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