Chelsea set Friday deadline for Manchester City to make Enzo Fernandez offer

Chelsea have told Manchester City and Enzo Fernandez’s representatives that 17:00 BST on Friday is the deadline for a formal offer for the Argentina midfielder, according to The Athletic.

Chelsea are seeking £120m for the 25-year-old, a figure worth approximately $161m, and have made clear they will not consider his departure unless that valuation is met.

The club has informed Manchester City that if the required bid does not arrive before Friday’s deadline, Fernandez will remain at Chelsea for the current transfer window. The decision comes less than two weeks before the new season begins, with Chelsea keen to resolve the uncertainty around the player and avoid being left without enough time to find a replacement should he leave.

Manchester City have shown an interest in Fernandez, who has a strong relationship with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, now in charge of the Manchester club. City believe the midfielder could strengthen their options in the centre of the pitch, even though his style is not a direct match for that of Rodri.

Fernandez is valued by Manchester City for his attacking ability, strong character and physical presence. The Premier League club also believes his intensity and strength could make him an important addition to their midfield.

Fernandez is not included on Chelsea’s list of players considered unavailable for transfer. However, the London club remains determined to receive its full valuation before agreeing to his sale.

The midfielder still has a contract with Chelsea until 2032, although there has been no progress in recent months over an extension. He joined the club under a long-term agreement and has remained an important part of the squad despite uncertainty over his future.

Chelsea also suspended Fernandez for two matches in April after comments he made during the international break. In those remarks, he criticised some decisions taken by the club’s management. The incident was followed by reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The club’s current position is also influenced by the belief that Fernandez can excel under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea’s head coach has spoken to the player since taking over and has made clear that he wants him to remain part of his plans for the coming campaign.

That support has not removed the possibility of a transfer, but it has strengthened Chelsea’s stance that any interested club must meet the financial terms set for the player. With the deadline approaching, the next move rests with Manchester City.

Chelsea are preparing for the start of the new season while Fernandez’s future remains unresolved. Unless City submit the required offer by 17:00 BST on Friday, Chelsea’s stated position is that the Argentina international will stay at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the current transfer window.