Chelsea set £120m valuation as Manchester City consider Enzo Fernandez move

Manchester City are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer, with Chelsea valuing the Argentina international at about £120m, according to Sky Sports.

Fernandez is understood to be on Manchester City’s list of midfield targets as the club assesses how to strengthen in that area of the squad. Chelsea’s valuation would make any potential deal a major investment, however, and there has been no indication that an agreement between the two clubs is close.

One factor that could encourage Manchester City to pursue the 24-year-old is his previous working relationship with the club’s new manager, Enzo Maresca. The pair worked together during Maresca’s time in charge of Chelsea, giving the Italian a detailed understanding of Fernandez’s qualities and his technical ability.

That familiarity could influence Manchester City’s thinking as they consider their midfield options during the current summer transfer window. Maresca is believed to have a strong working relationship with Fernandez from their time together at Stamford Bridge, and the manager’s knowledge of the player may be relevant to any decision over a possible approach.

Manchester City are also continuing discussions with French club Lille over Morocco Under-21 international Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League club, but negotiations between the two clubs remain ongoing as they attempt to settle the final details of the transfer.

Bouaddi is therefore another option being explored by Manchester City as they look to add to their midfield. While personal terms have been agreed, the two clubs have yet to reach a final agreement over the proposed deal.

At the same time, Manchester City do not currently regard negotiations with Barcelona over Rodri as active. The Spanish club previously made an initial offer for the midfielder, with the proposal understood to be worth about £40m.

That bid was described by Manchester City as “ridiculous”, and no active talks are taking place at present. The reaction underlines the significant gap between Barcelona’s initial proposal and Manchester City’s valuation of the Spain international.

Manchester City are consequently examining several possible routes to strengthen their midfield while continuing to assess Rodri’s future. The club is also considering its potential market activity in the final days of the transfer window.

Fernandez’s possible move would represent a separate avenue from the discussions surrounding Rodri. However, Chelsea’s £120m valuation means Manchester City would need to decide whether the midfielder’s qualities, and his previous connection with Maresca, justify a substantial financial commitment.

For now, Manchester City’s interest in Fernandez remains part of a wider evaluation of midfield targets, with talks for Bouaddi continuing and the situation involving Rodri not considered active.