Enzo Fernandez set to leave Chelsea for Manchester City in record deal

Enzo Fernandez is reportedly only hours away from completing a record transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City, according to Spanish newspaper AS journalist Eduardo Burgos.

Manchester City have reached an agreement with the Argentina midfielder over personal terms, and negotiations are now focused on finalising the deal between the two clubs. The transfer is expected to involve a record fee, although the exact amount has not been disclosed.

Chelsea, in agreement with manager Xabi Alonso, left Fernandez out of their squad for Thursday’s match against Luton. The Blues won that EFL Cup fixture 2-0, with the Argentine’s omission adding to growing expectations that his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.

Burgos reported that the move had become “a matter of hours”, with the final stages of the transfer now being completed. The proposed switch would bring an end to Fernandez’s three-and-a-half-year spell at Chelsea.

The 25-year-old joined the London club from Benfica in January 2023, shortly after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His performances in that tournament played a major part in attracting Chelsea, who secured his signature from the Portuguese side.

Chelsea had previously valued Fernandez at £120m. That figure had been the principal obstacle for Manchester City during negotiations, but the two clubs now appear to be close to reaching an agreement over a deal that would set a new record.

Speculation over Fernandez’s future had been building since the end of last season. The midfielder was reported to have hinted at a desire to move to Real Madrid, but the Spanish club ultimately opted to pursue Portugal international Bernardo Silva, who is currently with Manchester City.

A move to City would therefore represent a significant change in direction for Fernandez, taking him from one Premier League club to another while also ending the uncertainty surrounding his next destination. The reported agreement over personal terms suggests the player is prepared to make the switch, with the remaining work understood to concern the final details between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Burgos also posted the following update on social media:

“Enzo Fernandez – Manchester City, cuestion de horas.El Chelsea ultima el traspaso del argentino por una cantidad record. El club, de mutuo acuerdo con Xabi Alonso, le excluyo del partido contra el Luton. Hay acuerdo con el jugador.Pronto toda la informacion en@diarioas.pic.twitter.com/rH2LS6xQY4”

If completed, Fernandez’s departure would bring to a close a spell that began after his emergence as one of Argentina’s leading midfielders during their World Cup triumph. Chelsea’s decision to exclude him from the squad for the Luton game, combined with the agreement on personal terms, has intensified the expectation that the transfer to Manchester City will be confirmed imminently.