Manchester City given fresh chance to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City have been offered another opportunity to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer, but they must act quickly if they are to secure the Argentina international at a reduced fee.

Fernandez is keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium, although Chelsea have warned Manchester City that the chance to complete a deal may not remain available for long. The London club wants clarity over the player’s future before the new season begins in less than two weeks.

According to sources cited by TeamTalk, Chelsea are now prepared to consider an offer of about £100m for Fernandez. That figure represents a £20m reduction on the club’s initial valuation of the midfielder, which stood at £120m.

However, Chelsea are understood to have told Manchester City officials that a formal proposal must be submitted soon. If City fail to move quickly, the opportunity to sign Fernandez could be withdrawn.

Chelsea are keen to settle the midfielder’s situation as soon as possible so their new manager, Xabi Alonso, can establish a clear view of his squad. The club does not want uncertainty over Fernandez to continue until the transfer window closes.

Fernandez is reportedly enthusiastic about working again with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea. The midfielder believes a move to the Etihad Stadium would represent an attractive next step in his career.

Manchester City’s interest is also linked to the uncertainty surrounding Rodri. Barcelona continue to pursue the Spain midfielder, and his possible departure could increase the need for City to add further options in midfield.

City are already close to signing Ayoub Bouaddi in a deal worth more than £85m, but the club are considering whether to bring in another midfielder during the current window.

A £100m deal for Fernandez would still represent a major investment. However, if Rodri leaves, the Chelsea player could become one of the more logical options available to Manchester City.

His experience in the Premier League, technical quality and previous working relationship with Maresca are all factors that could make Fernandez an appealing target. The midfielder’s desire to join City could also help encourage negotiations, although Chelsea’s demand for an immediate formal offer means the situation may be decided quickly.

For now, Manchester City have been presented with a fresh route to a player they are understood to be considering as they reshape their midfield. The reduced valuation gives them a potential opening, but only if they are prepared to act before Chelsea decide to close it.