Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Premier League rivals Manchester City if their financial valuation is met and they can successfully bring in suitable reinforcements before the transfer window closes, according to a report from Sky Sports on Friday.
While direct club-to-club negotiations have not yet officially commenced between the two sides, the World Cup winner was notably left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad during their Carabao Cup victory over Luton on Thursday, further fueling speculation surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge.
Following the cup match, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressed the situation regarding the midfielder, describing him as a good professional who continues to train well with the squad, though he added that a final call regarding his availability for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton would be made later.
Despite failing to submit a formal offer before Chelsea’s initial August 14 deadline, Manchester City retain a strong interest in signing the Argentine star. The Blues had previously reached an understanding with the player’s representatives that they would accept an offer in the region of GBP 120 million prior to that mid-August deadline, though no formal bid arrived within that designated timeframe.
Chelsea and Man City hope to reach a conclusion before deadline
Since arriving at Chelsea in 2023, Fernandez has crossed 100 appearances for the club. During the previous Premier League campaign, he delivered exceptional performances, ranking third among all league players by generating 68 chances while contributing directly to 14 goals.
For Manchester City, upgrading the central midfield has become an urgent priority following significant high-profile departures. Star midfielder Rodri recently made a high-profile move to Barcelona, while long-serving playmaker Bernardo Silva departed for Real Madrid. Additionally, Nico Gonzalez completed a GBP 50 million move to Newcastle United, and Tijjani Reijnders signed for Al Qadsiah in a GBP 51 million deal.
To replace these sales, City have already invested heavily, securing 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi for a world-record GBP 86 million fee on a five-year deal, as well as signing England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a GBP 116 million package.
