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Chelsea set Friday deadline for Manchester City to bid for Enzo Fernandez
13th August, 2026 08:23 AM
Chelsea have given Manchester City until 5:00 pm on Friday, August 14, 2026, to submit an offer for Enzo Fernandez if they want to sign the midfielder before the summer transfer window closes.
Chelsea value the Argentina international at £120 (Ksh20.9 billion) million after an impressive World Cup campaign, and have made it clear that they will not consider selling him this summer if City fail to meet their asking price.
Fernandez has six years remaining on his Chelsea contract, placing the Blues in a strong negotiating position as City weigh up whether to make a formal approach.
Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder is understood to be partly influenced by his previous relationship with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge before taking charge at the Etihad this summer.
The situation has become more significant because of uncertainty surrounding City midfielder Rodri, who is attracting interest from Barcelona.
City face midfield decisions
Barcelona have already seen a £40 million (Ksh6.96 billion) offer for Rodri rejected by Manchester City but are expected to increase their proposal to between £50 million (Ksh8.7 billion) and £60 million (Ksh10.44 billion).
Rodri, 30, is entering the final year of his contract, although City are keen to retain the Spain international.
Should Barcelona make an improved offer and City decide to allow Rodri to leave, Fernandez could emerge as a potential replacement.
City are also continuing discussions with Lille over Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while they have already strengthened their midfield by completing the £116 million (Ksh20.184 billion) signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The club are also aware of Nottingham Forest’s interest in Tijjani Reijnders.
Chelsea want Fernandez situation resolved quickly
Chelsea’s decision to impose a Friday deadline is aimed at preventing prolonged transfer speculation from becoming a distraction for new manager Xabi Alonso and his squad.
The club believe potential suitors have had almost two months to make an approach for Fernandez and therefore want the situation settled before the new campaign gathers pace.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for around £107 million (Ksh18.618 billion) in January 2023 and remains an important part of the squad despite uncertainty surrounding his future.
His position at the club came under scrutiny in April when he was left out for two matches after saying he would welcome the possibility of living in Madrid. Fernandez and his agent subsequently apologised, while discussions had also been taking place over improved terms.
Real Madrid, however, have publicly denied plans to pursue the midfielder this summer.
With Chelsea’s valuation standing at £120 million (Ksh20.9 billion), Manchester City now face a straightforward decision: make a major offer by Friday evening, August 14, 2026, or see Fernandez remain at Stamford Bridge for the new season.
The summer transfer window is scheduled to close on Tuesday, September 1,2026, meaning City could still have time to pursue other midfield targets if they decide against meeting Chelsea’s demands.
