REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Fabrizio Romano has given GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness an update on Manchester City's pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and explained whether a late deal for the Argentine is on the cards.
Fernandez has been linked with City since the start of the summer when Enzo Maresca succeeded Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. He played under the Italian coach at Stamford Bridge, and the pair grew close during their time together in West London.
The Citizens have been eyeing the 25-year-old as the final piece of their midfield rebuild following the arrivals of Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi. Speculation linking Fernandez with an exit has caused a rift between the player and his club's fanbase, and he was booed in Xabi Alonso's side's 3-2 win over Fulham in their season opener on Monday night.
Romano: Man City Have Enzo Fernandez Plan
Reuters/Matthew Childs
Alonso left Fernandez out of his matchday squad for Chelsea's 2-0 win over Luton Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday. This only further increased talk of the Argentina international heading to City in the final days of the transfer window.
Romano appeared on the latest episode of GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast and delved into the situation. While he insisted the Cityzens have yet to make an offer for the player, he confirmed they are in contact with his agent:
"What I'm told is that, as of now, and this could change any minute, Chelsea are yet to receive an official bid from Manchester City. At the same time, City keep talking on a daily basis with the agent of Enzo Fernandez, so the conversations are ongoing. I think City have their own strategy in this case to try and arrive at the right moment, with the right money and get Enzo (Fernandez)."
Fernandez appears keen to reunite with Maresca, having thrived under the City boss at Chelsea in recent years. He criticised the west London outfit's decision to sack the Italian back in January and said it 'hurt us a lot'.
Romano added:
"Enzo (Fernandez) already gave indications to Man City that he wants to move. He wants to rejoin Enzo Maresca after they were in very good relationship at Chelsea. So Enzo is ready, now its on Manchester City to make their move."
City are leaving it late to make a third big-money midfield signing, but are clearly interested in signing Fernandez. He offers a different profile to Anderson and Bouaddi, which could help Maresca further implement his brand of football as he tries to build on Guardiola's huge success during his decade-long stay at the Etihad.
Man City transfer targets
Enzo Fernandez - Late move expected for Chelsea star
Alexis Mac Allister - Viewed as Fernandez alternative
Cody Gakpo - Rivaling Tottenham for Liverpool forward
Iliman Ndiaye - Everton attacker on radar
Would Enzo Fernandez Take Man City to the Title?
Reuters/Matthew Childs
City were constant favourites to win the Premier League throughout Guardiola's reign, but many expect them to fall short for a second year in a row. A change in manager and selling Rodri has led to doubts over their title credentials, and should Fernandez join, one of the big questions will be whether he can make the difference.
Arsenal are heavily tipped to successfully defend their crown and have made an impressive start to the season. But adding Fernandez to a midfield consisting of Anderson and Bouaddi might just prove problematic for the Gunners, as it's an extremely strong unit.
Fernandez has grown into one of Europe's most highly-rated midfielders during his time at Chelsea. He joined the West London club from Benfica in early 2023 for a then-British record £107 million.
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Enzo Fernandez (Premier League 2025-26)
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The Argentine has yet to get his hands on the title, having played in a team that has dipped in and out of the top-four race. If his current club are to become champions for the first time since 2017, this season is probably the best opportunity to do so since he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Xabi Alonso's appointment is viewed as a very ambitious one given his success at Bayer Leverkusen. But the former Real Madrid boss seemingly hasn't managed to change the player's mind, and he wants to link up with Maresca at City.