Enzo Fernandez deal reaches decisive stage as Manchester City face Chelsea deadline

Manchester City have held decisive talks with Enzo Fernandez’s representatives as Chelsea insist the midfielder’s future must be resolved by 17:00 BST on Friday.

The discussions took place during the past 24 hours, with City and the Chelsea player’s agents involved in direct negotiations. Further contact has continued throughout the day between Manchester City and people close to Fernandez.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Today is Enzo Fernandez day. Just to remind you, Chelsea have been very clear. The message sent directly to Manchester City over the past 48 hours has been clear.”

He added: “Chelsea believe the Enzo Fernandez story will end in the transfer market today. Either Manchester City come with £120m net on the table today, or Enzo Fernandez stays with the Blues.”

Chelsea’s position is that the deadline is genuine and that the club is not simply using the situation to extract more money for the Argentina international.

Romano said: “This is the club’s position. Unfortunately, I am not the owner or director of Chelsea to tell you what they will do next, but at the moment the club’s position has been made public and is clear and strong. It does not look like they are playing this game simply to get money for the player, otherwise they could continue negotiating tomorrow as well.”

He continued: “Chelsea look very serious about the deadline ending on Friday at 5pm UK time.”

Manchester City have not ended their interest, however, and remain in communication with Fernandez’s representatives. The latest discussions suggest the Premier League champions are actively considering whether to meet Chelsea’s valuation.

“At the moment there are contacts between Manchester City and people close to Enzo Fernandez, and they are taking place throughout the day,” Romano said. “Over the past 24 hours, City and the player’s agents have also been in direct talks.”

He described those discussions as significant, adding: “I would say they have been very direct conversations, because negotiations have actually taken place, as have discussions. So there is certainly movement from City regarding Enzo Fernandez.”

Chelsea signed Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023, and he remains under contract with the London club. The current situation centres on whether Manchester City are prepared to place the required £120m net fee on the table before Chelsea’s stated deadline.

Romano concluded: “This is Chelsea’s position. We will follow the situation, but it is clear that it will be a big and busy day. Manchester City are still speaking with the player’s representatives, so the deal remains alive. We need to find out whether Manchester City will decide to pay the amount requested or not.”

No outcome has yet been confirmed, but the talks mean Fernandez’s possible move to Manchester City remains active as Chelsea’s deadline approaches.