Manchester City are reportedly preparing a major late move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, with reports suggesting the Premier League champions could be ready to meet Chelsea’s £120 million valuation for the Argentina international.
The potential transfer has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the closing stages of the summer window, with City continuing their midfield rebuild following several important departures. Chelsea, meanwhile, face a difficult decision over whether to allow one of their most valuable midfielders to leave Stamford Bridge for a direct Premier League rival.
Fernández has remained a key name on Manchester City’s recruitment list, particularly as the club look to strengthen their midfield options. City’s interest has intensified following the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, while the club have already invested heavily in the position by bringing in Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The move for Fernández would represent an enormous financial commitment. Chelsea have reportedly placed a £120 million valuation on the midfielder, and City are now believed to be considering a formal offer as the transfer deadline approaches. Earlier reports indicated that City had missed a deadline previously set by Chelsea for a bid, but the English champions have continued to monitor the situation.
The situation is particularly intriguing because Fernández is already familiar with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca. The Argentine worked under Maresca at Chelsea, and their previous relationship could become an important factor if City eventually succeed in bringing the midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.
Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British record transfer fee at the time and has since established himself as one of the club’s most important midfielders. His ability to dictate play, contribute defensively and create opportunities from deeper positions makes him an attractive option for City’s midfield reconstruction.
The 2026 summer transfer window has already been extremely busy for Manchester City. The club have completed the signing of 18 year old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the reported value of the deal reaching around £86 million. City have also signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million.
Adding Fernández to those acquisitions would underline the scale of City’s attempt to rebuild their midfield. The club are looking to maintain their competitiveness after significant changes to their squad, with Rodri’s departure particularly important given his influence over recent seasons.
For Chelsea, however, selling Fernández at this stage would create a major problem. The London club would need to find a replacement capable of filling the role of a player who remains central to their midfield plans. Reports indicate that Chelsea have explored alternatives, including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and other midfield targets.
Chelsea’s position has therefore remained firm. The club are believed to want their £120 million valuation met before seriously considering a sale, while they would also need confidence that a suitable replacement could be secured.
Fernández’s own position could also have an influence on the situation. Reports have suggested that the midfielder is open to the possibility of joining Manchester City, although he remains a Chelsea player and the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement.
The timing makes the potential transfer even more dramatic. With the summer window approaching its September 1 deadline, City have limited time to negotiate a deal, while Chelsea would have little opportunity to rebuild their midfield if Fernández leaves.
A successful £120 million transfer would make Fernández one of the most expensive players in Premier League history and would further demonstrate City’s willingness to spend heavily to maintain their position among England’s elite.
For City supporters, the arrival of Fernández would provide another world class option in midfield and potentially give Maresca the perfect player to help reshape the team.
For Chelsea fans, however, the prospect of losing Fernández to one of their biggest domestic rivals will be a major concern. The coming days could therefore determine whether the Argentine remains at Stamford Bridge or becomes the latest blockbuster addition to Manchester City’s evolving squad.
