Enzo Fernandez, Man City
© IMAGO
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Manchester City are set to make their first official bid to sign Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez “in the next 24 to 48 hours”, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee.
The Cityzens have identified Fernandez as their top target as they look to strengthen their midfield before deadline day takes place in England next week.
Chelsea set an unofficial deadline for interested parties to sign Fernandez for €140million (£120m) earlier this month - yet Man City allowed that window to pass.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side are still hoping to land the 25-year-old and The Athletic’s Lee expects “a deal to develop” in the next two days.
Maresca and Fernandez worked together at Chelsea and are said to enjoy a strong relationship, hence Man City’s interest in signing the Argentina midfielder.
The 10-time league champions are in the process of rebuilding their midfield following the sales of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez this summer.
Enzo Maresca (left) and Enzo Fernandez (right)
© IMAGO - Enzo Maresca (left) and Enzo Fernandez (right)
City want Fernandez to form a mouth-watering midfield trio alongside Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, who arrived from Nottingham Forest and Lille respectively.
Chelsea have little time to source Fernandez replacement
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will sanction a sale, however, with less than a week to go until the transfer window closes in England on Tuesday, 1 September.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported last Sunday that Chelsea will consider selling Fernandez if they can source a replacement.
Alex Scott
© IMAGO - Alex Scott
Xabi Alonso’s men are reportedly keen on Alex Scott but The i Paper claims they have had three offers turned down by Bournemouth for the 22-year-old.
Scott is developing a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League after helping Bournemouth qualify for the Europa League by finishing sixth last season.
Despite the intense speculation surrounding the future of Fernandez, Chelsea boss Alonso has confirmed he will be involved in the Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town this evening.
Xabi Alonso
© IMAGO - Xabi Alonso
Speaking to reporters ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge, Alonso said: “We expect that he's involved, he's trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved.”
Fernandez is one of the best players in the Premier League
Fernandez has become one of the best players in England since joining Chelsea from Portuguese giants Benfica in January 2023.
He has registered 30 goals and 31 assists in 170 games for Chelsea, winning the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup double under Maresca in 2025.
Fernandez has also scored eight goals in 49 caps for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup at Qatar 2022. He also helped them reach this summer’s showpiece in North America.
Liam Delap, Nottingham Forest
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