Manchester City plans formal bid for Enzo Fernández before transfer window closes

Manchester City are preparing to make a formal offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández before the Premier League’s summer transfer window slams shut on September 1, setting up one of the most consequential intra-league deals in recent memory.

The pursuit continues even after City failed to meet a self-imposed deadline Chelsea had set around August 14-15 for bids of £120m. That deadline has come and gone without a qualifying offer. But City’s interest, according to journalist David Ornstein, remains very much “live.”

A deadline missed, but not a deal dead

Chelsea’s position has been consistent: bring £120m to the table, or the 25-year-old Argentine stays put for the 2026/27 season. That figure, roughly $161m-$163m at current exchange rates, would make Fernández one of the most expensive transfers in football history for the second time in his career.

When he moved from Benfica to Chelsea on January 31, 2023, the fee was €121m, or approximately £106.8m. That was a British record at the time. Now Chelsea want even more than they paid.

City is still working to put together a package that could test Chelsea’s resolve before the window closes at 11pm BST on September 1.

Why City want Fernández, and why now

Manchester City’s midfield has been through a significant reshuffling. The departure of Rodri left an enormous void in Pep Guardiola’s system.

There’s also a fascinating subplot involving City’s new manager. Enzo Maresca, who took over from Guardiola, previously coached Fernández during his time at Chelsea. That prior relationship means Maresca knows exactly what he’d be getting, and Fernández already understands the manager’s tactical demands and communication style.

Chelsea’s leverage and the clock

Chelsea holds most of the cards here. Fernández is under a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, which means there’s zero obligation to sell. The £120m asking price reflects that: Chelsea’s expectation, if City can’t or won’t match the valuation, is that Fernández stays, plays the season, and the conversation picks up again next summer.

The Premier League’s summer window runs from June 15 through September 1. The key variable is whether City are genuinely willing to meet the £120m threshold or are hoping Chelsea will accept something lower as the window runs out. Chelsea, sitting comfortably with a contracted player and no pressure to sell, have little incentive to discount.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.