Chelsea have reportedly set a firm deadline for any club interested in signing midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with the London club demanding £120 million to sanction a transfer before the end of the current window.
Manchester City are understood to be among the clubs monitoring the Argentina international, with their interest reportedly becoming stronger in recent days. Chelsea, however, are keen to bring clarity to the midfielder’s situation before their Premier League campaign begins.
According to reports from football.london, Chelsea have given interested clubs until 5pm on Friday to meet their £120m valuation if they want to complete a deal for Fernandez.
The deadline is believed to be connected to new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso’s desire to settle the issue before the team begins its preparations for the opening fixture of the season.
Chelsea are scheduled to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, August 24, with the match set to kick off at 8pm.
Manchester City monitoring Fernandez
Manchester City have emerged as one of the most prominent clubs linked with Fernandez.
The potential move could reunite the midfielder with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is reportedly interested in bringing him to Manchester.
Fernandez produced some of his most productive football at Stamford Bridge during Maresca’s time in charge. Across 54 Premier League appearances under the Italian manager, the Argentine recorded 11 goals and eight assists.
That previous relationship could be an important factor if City decide to pursue the midfielder before the transfer deadline.
City may also view Fernandez as part of a possible midfield rebuild, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future. The Spain international has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona, which could leave City looking for another high-level option in the centre of the pitch.
Fernandez, who is comfortable operating in several midfield roles, would potentially offer City both creativity and an ability to contribute defensively.
Fernandez previously indicated desire to leave
The current uncertainty surrounding Fernandez is not entirely new.
The midfielder reportedly communicated his desire to leave Chelsea in May, prompting speculation that he could move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid were initially regarded as one of the leading destinations for the player.
However, those hopes appeared to fade after the Spanish giants publicly indicated that they were not planning to pursue Fernandez during the current transfer window.
That development left Manchester City among the clubs potentially capable of making a serious move for the Argentine.
Chelsea’s reported £120m valuation now represents the key obstacle.
Any club wishing to secure Fernandez before the deadline would have to meet that figure, giving Chelsea a clear position in negotiations.
Alonso wants situation resolved
The arrival of Alonso has added another dimension to Fernandez’s future.
The former Bayer Leverkusen manager is beginning his tenure at Chelsea and will want to know which players will form part of his squad for the new campaign.
A prolonged transfer saga involving one of the club’s most expensive players could complicate preparations, particularly if Fernandez is uncertain about whether he will remain in west London.
Alonso has previously acknowledged speaking with Fernandez about his future but declined to reveal the details of their conversation.
“Yes, we have spoken, but as you can understand, what we discussed remains confidential,” Alonso said last month.
The comments suggested that the manager was aware of the situation and had already communicated directly with the midfielder.
However, the decision over whether Fernandez remains at Chelsea could ultimately depend on whether another club is willing to satisfy the club’s financial demands.
Chelsea hold strong bargaining position
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 in a deal that immediately placed enormous expectations on him.
Since arriving in England, he has established himself as an important part of the Chelsea midfield, although his performances and preferred role have generated considerable debate.
His ability to operate as a deep midfielder, play further forward or contribute around the penalty area gives him tactical flexibility.
That versatility, combined with his age and international experience, helps explain Chelsea’s high valuation.
At 25, Fernandez remains in a stage of his career where a buying club could expect several years of top-level football from him.
Chelsea’s reported £120m asking price therefore represents both the player’s sporting value and the club’s desire to avoid losing an important asset without receiving a substantial fee.
Maresca relationship could influence decision
Fernandez’s relationship with Maresca is another significant element of the story.
The midfielder appeared particularly comfortable under the Italian coach, who gave him opportunities to influence matches from more advanced areas.
Fernandez was also vocal when Maresca’s departure from Chelsea became known.
Asked by Mexican outlet TUDN about the decision in March, Fernandez admitted that he did not understand why the manager had left.
“I don’t understand it either,” he said.
That previous relationship could make a reunion at Manchester City attractive to the player if the Premier League champions decide to make a formal offer.
For City, meanwhile, signing Fernandez would provide an opportunity to add a proven Premier League midfielder who already understands the demands of English football.
What happens if the deadline passes?
If no club meets Chelsea’s £120m demand by the stated Friday deadline, Fernandez is expected to remain at Stamford Bridge and be considered for Alonso’s squad.
That would mean the Argentine could potentially feature in Chelsea’s opening Premier League match against Fulham.
The situation could still change later in the transfer window if Chelsea are willing to negotiate or if another club substantially improves its offer. However, the reported deadline indicates that the Blues want the immediate uncertainty resolved before the new season gets underway.
For Alonso, having Fernandez available would provide another high-quality midfield option as he begins his Chelsea project.
For Fernandez, remaining at the club could offer him the opportunity to establish himself under a new manager and demonstrate that he can become a central figure in Alonso’s plans.
A major decision for Chelsea
The coming days could therefore determine whether Fernandez begins another chapter at Chelsea or moves to a new club.
Manchester City’s reported interest gives the situation added significance, particularly because of the possible connection with Maresca and the uncertainty surrounding Rodri.
Chelsea, however, have placed the decision firmly in the hands of potential buyers by setting a substantial valuation and a deadline for action.
Unless an interested club is prepared to pay £120m by the stated cut-off, Fernandez is expected to remain part of Alonso’s squad.
The midfielder’s future will consequently remain one of the major transfer stories to watch as the Premier League season approaches.
