Enzo Fernandez transfer news: Man City considering bid for Chelsea midfielder
Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107m in 2023; the Argentine played in Chelsea's first Premier League game of the season against Fulham; Chelsea set a deadline earlier in August for City to bid but Enzo Maresca still holds an interest in his former player
Wednesday 26 August 2026 15:38, UK
Manchester City are considering making a bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the transfer deadline.
Man City's interest continues despite missing Chelsea's August 14 deadline to bid for Fernandez.
Chelsea spent a British-record £117m on Morgan Rogers this summer and it could take more than that for City to sign Fernandez, who is valued by the Blues at £120m after the club signed him for £107m in 2023.
City are rebuilding their midfield, having sold Rodri to Barcelona for £65.4m and Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for £51m, after releasing Bernardo Silva, and with Nico Gonzalez set to join Newcastle for £50m.
They have added Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m and, on Wednesday, signed Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86m.
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Sky Sports News has reported that Fernandez is a top target for City boss Enzo Maresca, who worked with the midfielder at Chelsea. The 25-year-old has six years left on his contract.
Fernandez was suspended by Chelsea for two matches towards the end of last season after casting doubt over his future while on international duty amid reports of interest from Real Madrid, who subsequently ruled out a move for him in early July.
Manchester City want to make more additions in midfield and are also interested in Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Roma's Manu Kone.
However, Bournemouth remain adamant that Scott is not for sale and will reject any offers for him in this window, with Chelsea also interested. Scott has two years left on his contract but has made his feelings clear by refusing offers of a new and improved deal.
Chelsea are also considering a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The Argentina international's representatives have offered Martinez to Chelsea.
Chelsea's current No 1 Robert Sanchez came under criticism after his error in Monday's win at Fulham.
Fernandez to feature vs Luton
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says Fernandez will be involved in their Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town.
Fernandez came off the bench against Fulham on Monday in Chelsea's opening game of the season and the midfielder is set to feature again on Thursday.
"Yes, we expect that he's involved," said Alonso in a press conference on Wednesday.
"He's trained. He's training really well. He's a good professional and he will be involved."
Alonso was also asked whether he expected Fernandez to stay at the club.
"We want to have the best team possible," he said.
"We know his qualities; he has shown them, and we have to wait. We'll think about tomorrow and see how things develop."
Analysis: Chelsea-City relationship strained by Maresca and deadline tensions
Sky Sports News' James Savundra:
"Earlier this month, Chelsea set a deadline for clubs to submit a deal and a bid worth up to £120m; that was the asking price for Fernandez. Man City ignored that deadline, but we do know they do retain an interest in signing the player.
"However, it remains to be seen what sort of negotiation Chelsea would be willing to go into with City because there clearly is a strained relationship between the two football clubs.
"Chelsea's season was completely derailed by what happened with Maresca leaving around Christmas time, and Man City had to pay Chelsea £17m in compensation because of their role in that. To wait and see what Chelsea's asking price would be, given that we previously knew it to be around £120m.
"What are Man City willing to pay for a player who seems to be Maresca's top target in this transfer window?
"We know City should have money to spend now because they've sold a record number of players in this transfer window, and we know Maresca loves Fernandez."
