Chelsea set Friday deadline over £120m Fernandez

What the report says

Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for any club willing to submit offers of at least £120m for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to BBC Sport Football. The 25-year-old Argentina international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for several months, with uncertainty building after he reportedly discussed the possibility of leaving in March.

BBC Sport Football reports that Fernandez’s agent later said the player felt underpaid and wanted to move on after a disappointing season for Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League and did not win a trophy. Real Madrid have since said they do not intend to sign him, leaving Manchester City as the only publicly identified possible suitor, though it is unclear whether City would match Chelsea’s valuation.

Chelsea paid £107m for Fernandez from Benfica in 2023 and are now expected to hold firm on their asking price. The club’s deadline is aimed at ending uncertainty before the season begins. New manager Xabi Alonso has spoken with Fernandez about his future, but has not shared details publicly.

BBC Sport Football adds that Chelsea are prepared to reintegrate Fernandez if no deal is reached. He returned to training under Alonso this week and remains an important part of the squad, having scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances last season.