Chelsea have given Manchester City until 5pm on Friday to make an offer that meets their £120 million valuation of Enzo Fernandez, or the midfielder will remain at Stamford Bridge.
The Athletic reports that Chelsea have communicated the deadline to City and Fernandez’s representatives, with the club insisting their valuation of the 25-year-old has been made clear to his agent since May.
City have been exploring a move for Fernandez as they prepare for the potential departure of Rodri to Barcelona. The Argentine is also known to have a strong relationship with City’s new head coach Enzo Maresca, who worked with him during his time in charge at Chelsea.
Chelsea have not placed Fernandez on their list of players who are unavailable for transfer this summer, but their latest stance means City must meet their valuation this week if they are to secure a deal.
Chelsea set Friday deadline for Man City over Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez has a contract with Chelsea until 2032 and remains an important member of the squad. He was suspended for two matches in April after comments made while on international duty, during which he criticised decisions by the club’s hierarchy and appeared to suggest he could leave.
His representatives have also previously raised concerns over the lack of progress in contract discussions.
Chelsea are understood to want Fernandez to remain at the club if their valuation is not met. The Blues are, however, monitoring potential midfield replacements, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott among the players they have been linked with.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British record fee and has since established himself as a key midfielder for club and country.
City now face a straightforward choice: meet Chelsea’s £120m valuation by Friday’s deadline or see Fernandez remain in west London.