Manchester City see opening to land Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea set valuation

Manchester City are preparing to step up their efforts to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with the club reportedly ready to meet the London side’s £120m asking price before the summer transfer window closes.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea have placed a £120m valuation on the Argentina international, who is 25, as Manchester City consider making a decisive move for one of their main midfield targets.

City are expected to accelerate negotiations in the coming days in an attempt to complete the deal before the transfer deadline. There is optimism at the Etihad Stadium that an agreement could be reached, although Chelsea’s financial demands remain central to the discussions.

Chelsea are understood to be open to selling Fernandez if the right offer is received. The club have maintained that £120m represents the appropriate fee for the midfielder, who is also reportedly interested in pursuing a new challenge away from Stamford Bridge.

Football Insider said on its latest Transfer Insider podcast that Manchester City’s recent player sales have given them the financial flexibility to pursue Fernandez. Among those departures were Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, with the proceeds enabling the club to consider a major investment in midfield.

Rodri’s move to Barcelona has also altered Manchester City’s plans in that area of the team. Strengthening midfield has become a priority for manager Enzo Maresca, despite the earlier arrival of Elliott Anderson during the current transfer window.

The club are still planning further changes in midfield following the departures of several important players. Fernandez is viewed as a leading option as City assess how best to rebuild that part of the squad.

Football Insider first reported on 21 August that Manchester City intended to speed up their pursuit of Fernandez during the final days of the window. Chelsea’s initial £120m figure was seen as a way of discouraging interested clubs, but City’s ability to generate significant funds through sales has changed the situation.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in a British-record transfer in January 2023 and remains a key figure at Stamford Bridge. However, the report says Chelsea would consider his departure for a suitable fee, while the player himself is said to be attracted by the prospect of a fresh experience elsewhere.

Wharton also under consideration

Manchester City’s interest is not limited to Fernandez. The club are also exploring several alternatives to strengthen their midfield, particularly in the deeper position at the base of the team.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is among the players being monitored. Manchester City have made enquiries about the possibility of signing the England international, who has earned considerable admiration within the club.

City scouts have followed Wharton’s progress and performances for an extended period, with the midfielder having impressed over the past two seasons. His development has made him a notable option as the club consider their next move.

A deal for Wharton would also be difficult to negotiate. Crystal Palace are keen to keep the player and are not prepared to let him leave unless they receive a substantial offer.

That stance could encourage Manchester City to focus more heavily on Fernandez, particularly if they believe Chelsea’s £120m valuation can be met with the funds raised from recent sales.

The coming days are therefore expected to bring intensified discussions between Manchester City and Chelsea, with Fernandez remaining the club’s principal midfield target as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

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