Chelsea has set a 5pm BST deadline today for any club to submit offers of £120 million or more for Enzo Fernández, the club’s Argentina international midfielder and captain [1, 2, 3].
The 25-year-old Fernández joined Chelsea in February 2023 for £107 million from Benfica [1, 3]. He scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists in 54 appearances last season and helped Argentina reach the 2022 World Cup final [1]. Chelsea considers £120 million a fair price and will not entertain bids after the deadline to end speculation over the player’s future [1, 2, 3].
Fernández’s agent Javier Pastore said on July 2 the midfielder was exploring opportunities to leave Chelsea, though no formal offers have met the club’s valuation so far [3, 1]. Manchester City is the main known suitor for Fernández, as the club looks to replace Rodri, who is currently targeted by Barcelona [1, 4, 2, 3]. Chelsea has also enquired about Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as a potential replacement for Fernández [4].
Rodri’s future remains uncertain with Barcelona’s bids of around €45 million and €60 million (£51 million) rejected by Manchester City, which wants £60-65 million for the midfielder [2]. To help finance a potential Fernández deal, Manchester City may sell Tijjani Reijnders [4, 2].
While Fernández’s departure is undecided, Chelsea is willing to fully reintegrate him under new manager Xabi Alonso if no transfer occurs [1, 3]. Meanwhile, Manchester City has recently signed Elliott Anderson for £116 million and is close to acquiring Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85 million [4].
Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli said his focus at Manchester City is to "train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can" [4].
Chelsea’s deadline for offers for Enzo Fernández comes as the club looks to settle transfer plans ahead of the new season. The 5pm BST cut-off today aims to provide clarity on the midfielder’s status before the window closes [1, 2, 3].
