Chelsea have set a strict Friday transfer deadline for Manchester City to submit a formal £120m bid for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to reports from Sky Sports News and The Athletic. The defending Premier League champions face a race against time to meet the valuation or abandon their pursuit of the Argentina international during the current window.
Transfer Deadline and Valuation
According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea issued an ultimatum requiring Manchester City to table their offer by 5pm on Friday. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy has made it clear that if City fail to meet both the specific deadline and the £120m valuation, the club will not sell Fernandez during this transfer window, as reported by The Athletic.
Fernandez currently has six years remaining on his contract. He joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a fee of approximately £107m, according to Sports Mole.
Midfield Shuffling at Manchester City
Manchester City’s sudden urgency to recruit midfield reinforcements is heavily driven by Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of established lynchpin Rodri, according to Sports Mole. While Barcelona saw an initial bid rejected, the Spanish club remains interested in luring Rodri to Camp Nou.
To prepare for potential midfield departures, City are closing in on an £85m deal for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Sports Mole. The 18-year-old Morocco international has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Etihad Stadium hierarchy. However, unlike Bouaddi or Rodri, Fernandez offers a different tactical profile, with the 2022 World Cup winner known more for crashing the box than for the out-of-possession defensive work required of a traditional holding midfielder, as noted by Sports Mole.
Managerial Links and Future Outlook
Manchester City’s interest is an upshot of manager Enzo Maresca’s desire to work with Fernandez again, having previously managed the midfielder during his tenure at Chelsea, according to Sports Mole. Maresca has reportedly identified the Argentine as a primary target to continue their previous working relationship.
With Friday’s 5pm deadline approaching, Manchester City must decide whether to match Chelsea’s massive financial demands or pivot entirely to alternative squad building strategies.
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