Chelsea set a strict deadline for potential buyers of midfielder Enzo Fernandez, which expired on Friday at 17:00 BST. The club requested bids of £120m from interested parties, reflecting their high valuation of the Argentine player. With no accepted offer received by the deadline, Chelsea now officially expects Fernandez to remain in the squad and play for the club during the current season.
Before the deadline, Manchester City were the main candidates to sign Fernandez. The move would have been particularly intriguing as the Argentine midfielder would have reunited with City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca. Maresca had previously been Fernandez’s manager at Chelsea, creating a specific dynamic in the negotiations. However, Maresca made it clear at a press conference on Friday that he does not expect any squad changes at this stage, stating: "I don't think we will do anything today."
The financial and sporting logic behind a potential transfer is becoming more complex when considering the current situation in City’s midfield. The club has already invested significantly this summer in strengthening the middle of the park by signing Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m. Therefore, an additional investment of £120m for Fernandez appears financially questionable without prior departures.
Analyses suggest that any eventual deal for Fernandez could be contingent on the sale of a key player. The potential departure of Spanish midfielder Rodri to Barcelona is considered a prerequisite for bringing in a new player. Rodri has recently received numerous accolades, including the official title of best player at the 2026 World Cup, making him an extremely valuable asset for City, but also difficult to secure on the market.
