Manchester City Continues Pursuit of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez Despite Deadline Miss
Manchester City are reportedly undeterred in their chase for Enzo Fernandez, even after failing to meet Chelsea’s deadline for a transfer of the Argentine international. Chelsea had set a £120 million valuation and required City to submit a formal offer by 5pm on Friday, but no such bid was made before the cutoff.
Initially, this led to speculation that the transfer saga had come to an end, with Chelsea anticipating that their captain would stay at Stamford Bridge throughout the 2026/27 season. However, Spanish publication AS indicates that City remains interested in Fernandez and plans to renew negotiations as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
New manager Enzo Maresca is particularly eager to bring back the midfielder, having developed a strong rapport with him during Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea. Fernandez has emerged as a key player under Maresca, making him a valuable target for City as they look to revamp their midfield.
The urgency surrounding this potential signing has increased with the anticipated departure of Rodri, prompting City to seek another high-caliber midfielder adept at handling possession. They had earmarked Fernandez as a possible successor during Barcelona’s negotiations for Rodri. However, Chelsea’s £120 million price tag remains a significant barrier.
AS reports that City had previously made an informal offer near €120 million (£103 million), but this was not enough to persuade Chelsea to green-light a transfer. The London club’s firm stance presents uncertainty about whether discussions can be genuinely revived, especially after establishing a deadline aimed at providing clarity prior to the Premier League season.
City’s need for reinforcements became evident in their recent Community Shield match, where Maresca’s first competitive outing resulted in a stark 3-0 defeat against Arsenal. Following the match, Maresca hinted at possible activity in the coming days, stating that City would be “busy” as the transfer window continues.
Despite having already set a new transfer record by signing England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, City’s midfield overhaul is ongoing. Meanwhile, Chelsea finds itself in a strong financial position, meaning they are not compelled to entertain lower offers and could demand even more than the existing £120 million figure if City approaches them after bypassing their deadline.
While there remains a considerable gap to bridge, City’s interest in Fernandez endures, and with Maresca advocating for his return, the final weeks of the transfer window could see this story develop further.
Manchester City are reportedly refusing to abandon their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez despite missing Chelsea’s deadline to complete a deal for the Argentina international.
Chelsea had informed City that they needed to meet their £120 million valuation by 5pm on Friday if they wanted to sign Fernandez, but no formal offer arrived before the deadline.
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That initially appeared to have ended the transfer saga, with Chelsea subsequently expecting their captain to remain at Stamford Bridge for the 2026/27 season.
However, Spanish outlet AS reports that City still have Fernandez on their shortlist and intend to resume efforts to find an agreement during the closing weeks of the transfer window.
New manager Enzo Maresca is said to be particularly keen on reuniting with the midfielder after working closely with him during his time in charge of Chelsea.
Fernandez developed into an increasingly influential attacking midfielder under Maresca, and their previous relationship has made the 25-year-old an attractive option for City’s midfield rebuild.
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The situation has become more significant following Rodri’s expected departure, with City requiring another high-level midfielder capable of assuming greater responsibility in possession.
City had already identified Fernandez as a potential replacement while Barcelona were negotiating for Rodri, although Chelsea’s £120m valuation has consistently represented the biggest obstacle.
AS claims City previously communicated an informal proposal worth around €120m (£103m), but that figure was insufficient to convince Chelsea to sanction a transfer.
The London club’s position nevertheless leaves considerable uncertainty over whether negotiations can genuinely be revived, particularly after setting a deadline specifically intended to provide clarity before the Premier League season.
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City’s need for reinforcements was also highlighted by Sunday’s Community Shield, when Maresca’s first competitive match ended in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Arsenal.
After the game, the Italian suggested there could still be significant activity before the window closes, saying City would be “busy” over the coming days.
City have already broken their transfer record to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, but their midfield overhaul may not be complete.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are under no financial pressure to accept a reduced proposal and could demand even more than the previously stated £120m figure if City return after ignoring their deadline.
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That leaves a substantial gap to overcome, but City’s interest has not disappeared.
With Maresca pushing for a reunion and the transfer window still open, Fernandez’s future could yet become one of the major stories of its final fortnight.
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