Chelsea set tougher terms as Manchester City weigh late Enzo Fernandez approach

Manchester City may have to pay Chelsea more than £120m to sign Enzo Fernandez if they make a move during the final two weeks of the transfer window.

Chelsea had set a deadline for written offers of £120m for the Argentina midfielder, but Manchester City did not meet it. The Premier League champions would now have to negotiate a fresh agreement if they want to persuade Chelsea to sell, with the London club facing limited time to find a replacement.

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea remain hopeful that Fernandez can be reintegrated into their squad if Manchester City do not follow up their interest or table a bid substantial enough to test the club’s resolve.

A late departure would make it more difficult for Chelsea to replace the 24-year-old and would increase the cost of pursuing one of their alternative targets. As a result, Manchester City are expected either to pay more than £120m or propose terms that are more favourable to Chelsea than those previously offered to clubs as a basis for negotiations.

Fernandez returned to action as a substitute in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at the weekend. Some supporters booed him when he came on.

That reaction did not surprise people close to the club, who had anticipated divided views over the midfielder. Fernandez’s possible departure, his role in Argentina’s World Cup victory over England and the celebrations that followed his equalising goal have all contributed to the tension surrounding him.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains a strong admirer of Fernandez, despite the reaction from sections of the support. The club’s plan is still to sign a replacement if the player leaves this summer.

Chelsea have already shown interest in Alex Scott, although Bournemouth have made clear that the midfielder is not for sale.

Manchester City are progressing in negotiations to sign Ayoub Bouaddi. It remains unclear whether completing a deal for the Moroccan midfielder would affect their interest in Fernandez.

The situation is part of what could be a busy conclusion to Manchester City’s transfer window. The club are also dealing with the proposed move of Rodri to Barcelona, Tijjani Reijnders’ departure and the potential sale of Savinho.

Manchester City’s failure to meet Chelsea’s original deadline has therefore changed the financial terms of any possible deal. Chelsea can now demand a higher fee, or insist on conditions designed to protect them from the difficulties of losing Fernandez so late in the window.