Manchester City hold decisive Enzo Fernandez talks with Chelsea as family await transfer outcome

Manchester City are holding intensive negotiations with Chelsea over the signing of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with the player reportedly willing to move to the Premier League champions before Tuesday’s summer transfer deadline.

The Athletic reports that Fernandez is waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement after giving his approval to a move to City. His family travelled from Buenos Aires to London on Tuesday morning as they await developments over the proposed transfer.

Chelsea are understood to be increasingly open to allowing the 25-year-old to leave, despite previously insisting that he was not for sale. However, the club want an appropriate financial return and must also have the opportunity to strengthen their squad before sanctioning his departure.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Chelsea have increased their asking price for Fernandez from 120m euros to 140m euros.

City continue to work on completing the deal, while Enzo Maresca is keen to bring his former player to the Etihad Stadium. Fernandez is believed to have already agreed personal terms with City, leaving the two clubs to negotiate the structure and value of the transfer.

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 make things happen in the future but we will see this week,” he said.

The negotiations come with the summer transfer window due to close on Tuesday, leaving limited time for City and Chelsea to settle the deal. Fernandez’s family arriving in London has added to the expectation that the situation could be resolved before the deadline.

Agent Jorge Mendes was involved in Fernandez’s move to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 and has now returned to the discussions as he attempts to help Chelsea reach an agreement over the midfielder’s departure.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Portuguese club Benfica in January 2023. He signed a contract running until the summer of 2032 and has since become an important part of the club’s midfield.

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

City’s interest marks a potential end to Fernandez’s spell in west London after just over three years at the club. The immediate priority for all parties is now to resolve the financial difference between the two sides before the transfer window closes.