Manchester City in talks with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez for over £120m
Quick Look
- Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea seeking a minimum fee of £120m.
- The 25-year-old Argentina international previously worked with City manager Enzo Maresca at Chelsea and is open to a move.
- If completed, the deal could become one of the most expensive in Premier League history and potentially see City break their transfer record twice in the same window.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Enzo Fernandez, 25, previously worked with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca during Maresca's time at Chelsea. Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea since their Champions League exit to PSG in March, after which he became increasingly critical of the club.
Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea in their bid to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
In what is set to be one of the key narratives on transfer deadline day, City have set the wheels in motion towards what would be one of the most expensive deals of the summer.
It is understood Chelsea want a minimum of £120m for Fernandez and talks are under way as both clubs negotiate a price.
Fernandez, 25, worked with City manager Enzo Maresca during the Italian's reign at Chelsea.
Maresca is keen to work with the Argentina international again, while Fernandez is open to a move to City.
It now remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree a price to unlock the deal.
If the clubs can reach an agreement, the deal is expected to be completed rapidly, with personal terms not an issue.
While the clubs had not held formal discussions up to the current talks, Chelsea have been aware of City's interest in Fernandez.
Chelsea set an unofficial deadline for the deal to be completed earlier this summer at a minimum fee of £120m only for that date to pass.
Fernandez could become one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, behind only Liverpool's £125m move for Alexander Isak last summer.
Fernandez maintains a positive relationship with Maresca, who left Chelsea in controversial fashion on New Year's Day and moved to Etihad Stadium in June.
It could potentially be the second time City break their transfer record in the same window, having paid £116m to recruit Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
There have also been four major midfield departures, with Tijjani Reijnders sold to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for £52m, while Barcelona have signed Rodri for £65m, Newcastle have agreed a £52m deal to sign Nico Gonzalez and Bernardo Silva departed earlier in the summer before joining Real Madrid.
It has been a turbulent period for Fernandez at Stamford Bridge, during which he and his agent, former Paris St-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore, courted interest from Real Madrid, only for the Spanish club to issue a statement denying any attempt to sign him.
The situation has been ongoing since Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by PSG in March, after which Fernandez became increasingly critical of the club.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Manchester City and Chelsea will agree on a transfer fee for Enzo Fernandez before the deadline
Likely · Within days
If completed, Enzo Fernandez will join Manchester City and receive a squad number shortly after
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What fee will Manchester City and Chelsea ultimately agree on for Enzo Fernandez?
- Will Enzo Fernandez complete a medical and sign personal terms with Manchester City if a fee is agreed?
- How will Enzo Fernandez's potential departure affect Chelsea's midfield options for the upcoming season?
