Football
Will Enzo Fernandez leave Chelsea for Man City before the transfer window closes?
Chelsea have increased their asking price for Enzo Fernandez above £120 million as Manchester City intensify efforts to sign the Argentina international amid Rodri’s impending move to Barcelona.
Chelsea have raised their valuation of Enzo Fernandez beyond the original £120 million figure, according to The Telegraph, as Manchester City seek a midfield replacement following Rodri’s agreement with Barcelona. The Blues’ revised demand comes with the transfer window rapidly closing and limited time remaining to secure a successor should the vice-captain depart.
Man City’s intensified pursuit
Manchester City’s interest in Fernandez has grown since the start of the campaign under new head coach Enzo Maresca. A 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield highlighted early-season challenges, compounded by confirmation that Rodri is nearing a £65 million transfer to Barcelona. That development has accelerated City’s focus on West London, though they recently missed the deadline to submit an official bid for Fernandez.
Despite that procedural setback, City remain committed to acquiring the 2022 World Cup winner. Their summer spending already includes Elliot Anderson, and they are also closing in on Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. Yet Fernandez remains their top priority to stabilise a midfield set to lose Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah.
Chelsea’s identified successor
If Fernandez departs, Xabi Alonso has reportedly selected Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as his preferred replacement in central midfield, per Metro. Chelsea previously submitted a formal £64 million offer for the England Under-21 international, which Bournemouth rejected.
The Cherries continue to insist Scott is not for sale, though his contract expires in two years — a detail Chelsea view as a potential opening. While Arsenal and Manchester United had previously tracked the former Bristol City player, both clubs have since shifted attention to alternative targets, possibly clearing a path for Chelsea’s renewed approach to the 22-year-old.
Fan reaction and internal dynamics
Fernandez has faced vocal disapproval from sections of the Chelsea support. During a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, he was booed upon entering the match. That reception reflects both the persistent transfer speculation linking him to Manchester City and his participation in post-tournament celebrations following Argentina’s recent international success.
Nonetheless, the prospect of reuniting with former boss Enzo Maresca could prove decisive if City return with a record-breaking offer. Chelsea’s leadership recognises that a sale would generate substantial reinvestment capital — not only for Scott but across the wider squad.
Deadline pressure mounts
With the transfer window drawing to a close, the next few days will determine the immediate direction of both clubs. Manchester City face urgent pressure to fill the void left by Rodri’s departure, yet must now decide whether to break their own transfer record to meet Chelsea’s elevated demands. Whether City launch a late bid or pivot to other options, Chelsea retain full leverage in what has become the summer’s most high-stakes transfer negotiation.
Latest news
Russia Launches Construction of Small Nuclear Power Plant in Myanmar
Lebanese Army Commander Discusses Regional Developments with Former US
Libération: Netanyahu tightens grip on Likud amid extreme rightward shift
