Chelsea are prepared to let Enzo Fernandez leave for Manchester City if the Premier League champions meet their valuation and the Blues can strengthen their own midfield before the transfer window closes.
There have been no club-to-club talks between Chelsea and Manchester City so far, but Fernandez’s omission from Thursday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton has added further speculation over his future.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso insisted the decision to leave the Argentina international out was purely tactical, saying Fernandez is a good professional who has been training well.
However, Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder remains, despite the club missing Chelsea’s August 14 deadline to make an offer.
Chelsea willing to sell Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea had previously agreed with Fernandez’s representatives that the midfielder could leave for around ยฃ120 million before the August 14 deadline.
No offer arrived from City before that date, but their interest has not disappeared.
Chelsea’s willingness to consider a sale is dependent on two factors: receiving the right price and finding suitable reinforcements for their own midfield.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are among the midfielders Chelsea have considered. However, both clubs currently regard their players as unavailable for transfer.
Alonso has also indicated that Chelsea are prepared for potential departures before the transfer window closes.
Why Manchester City want Fernandez
Manchester City have made strengthening their midfield a priority following Rodri’s departure to Barcelona earlier this month.
City have already made significant changes to their midfield this summer. Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al Qadsiah for ยฃ51m, while Bernardo Silva left the club following the expiry of his contract before moving to Real Madrid.
City also completed the ยฃ86m signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, making the teenager the world’s most expensive player in his age group, according to the report.
Elliot Anderson also joined City from Nottingham Forest in a ยฃ116m deal.
Despite those additions, Fernandez remains an option for City’s midfield as Pep Guardiola’s side look to replace the experience and influence lost during the summer.
City are also monitoring Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Roma midfielder Manu Kone.
Fernandez future remains uncertain
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for ยฃ107m in January 2023 and has since become an important part of the squad.
His absence against Luton does not necessarily indicate that a transfer is imminent, with Alonso making clear that he left the midfielder out because other players needed minutes.
The Chelsea boss will make a decision on Fernandez’s availability for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton closer to the game.
For now, there have been no formal talks between Chelsea and Manchester City. But with the transfer window approaching its deadline, Fernandez’s future could become one of the major stories to watch.
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