Manchester City are ready to revive their pursuit of Enzo Fernández despite missing Chelsea’s deadline. City are expected to make an official bid, but Chelsea’s £120 million valuation remains the main obstacle.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernández is still alive.
Just days after missing Chelsea’s deadline for an offer, reports suggest City are preparing to return with an official bid for the Argentina midfielder.
The situation has reopened one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories.
Chelsea had believed Fernández would stay after City failed to meet their deadline, but fresh reports from The Guardian and Sky Sports indicate City still intend to bid.
Chelsea value Fernández at around £120 million, while City are believed to rate him lower.
That gap remains the key issue in any potential deal.
City still expected to bid
The Guardian reports that Manchester City are still expected to submit an official offer for Fernández.
Sky Sports, citing talkSPORT, also says City plan to bid despite missing Chelsea’s 5pm deadline.
Chelsea had expected the midfielder to stay after the deadline passed, but City have not walked away.
The transfer remains open.
Chelsea’s £120m valuation
Chelsea continue to value Fernández at around £120 million.
The midfielder remains under a long-term contract and is not under pressure to leave, giving Chelsea strong negotiating power.
They are under no financial need to sell and can simply reject low offers.
City’s valuation is lower
The Guardian reports that City value Fernández below Chelsea’s asking price.
Any deal would likely require add-ons or a revised structure to bridge the gap.
For now, City still need to convince Chelsea to sell.
Rodri exit increases urgency
Rodri’s move to Barcelona has left a major gap in City’s midfield.
That departure has increased the urgency to bring in a top-level replacement as Pep Guardiola’s squad is reshaped.
Fernández is seen as a strong candidate due to his passing range, intensity and versatility.
Maresca factor
City manager Enzo Maresca previously worked with Fernández at Chelsea and is a known admirer of the midfielder.
Their existing relationship could help speed up adaptation if a deal is agreed.
Player open to move
Reports from talkSPORT suggest Fernández would be open to joining Manchester City if the clubs reach an agreement.
However, no personal terms or formal request to leave Chelsea have been made.
The key battle remains valuation, not player desire.
Real Madrid not in race
Real Madrid have denied any intention to sign Fernández, leaving City as the main interested club.
This reduces competition and gives Chelsea more control over negotiations.
Chelsea previously expected him to stay
After City missed the deadline, Chelsea expected Fernández to remain for the 2026/27 season.
Any late bid would need to be significant to change that stance.
Manu Koné alternative
City are also monitoring Roma midfielder Manu Koné, valued at around £50 million.
He represents a cheaper alternative if negotiations for Fernández stall.
Midfield rebuild at City
City are undergoing a major midfield overhaul, with several departures and new targets already identified.
Fernández could become the most expensive part of that rebuild.
