Manchester City ready to make formal offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City are preparing to submit a formal offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the summer transfer window closes, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

City are ready to make another attempt to sign the Argentina international, with Fernandez understood to be open to a move. Romano says the player does not object to the proposed transfer, while Chelsea are now more willing to consider his departure than they were previously.

However, Chelsea will only allow players to leave if the financial package is considered suitable and the club has enough time and resources to strengthen its own squad, according to the report.

Spanish newspaper AS claims Chelsea have increased their asking price for Fernandez from 120m euros to 140m euros. Manchester City are continuing to work on a deal for the 25-year-old, while Enzo Maresca is said to be determined to bring his former player to Etihad Stadium.

Fernandez is also believed to have already agreed personal terms with Manchester City. Chelsea had previously insisted that the midfielder was not for sale, but the club is now regarded as increasingly open to approving his transfer if its valuation is met.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was asked about Fernandez’s future after Monday’s match against Fulham.

“Enzo’s future? In football, nothing surprises me, we will see what happens, of course I hope that we can continue in the future but we will see this week,” he said.

The situation could develop before the end of the summer transfer window, with Manchester City now expected to present an official proposal rather than simply continue exploratory discussions.

Jorge Mendes, who played a role in Fernandez’s move to Stamford Bridge in January 2023, has become involved again as efforts continue to help Chelsea reach an agreement over the midfielder’s departure.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Portuguese club Benfica in January 2023. His contract with the London club runs until the summer of 2032, meaning Chelsea are under no immediate contractual pressure to sell.

The Argentina international has made 169 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 31 goals and providing 30 assists. During his time at the club, he has won the Club World Cup once and the UEFA Conference League once.

Manchester City’s interest would represent a further major move for Fernandez after his transfer from Benfica, but any agreement is expected to depend on whether the two clubs can settle on a fee close to Chelsea’s revised demands.