Man City to make offer for £120m-rated Fernandez

What the report says

Manchester City are preparing an opening bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to BBC Sport Football. The Argentina international has been identified by City as a priority target to strengthen midfield before next week’s transfer deadline. Chelsea are understood to know of City’s interest, and earlier in the summer had set an unofficial minimum asking price of £120m.

Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £107m and has been vice-captain since 2024. The BBC reports that he has a good relationship with City manager Enzo Maresca, who left Chelsea in controversial circumstances on New Year’s Day before taking over at the Etihad Stadium in June. City are expected to try again after an initial approach, with the move potentially placing Fernandez among the most expensive transfers in Premier League history.

The reported pursuit comes during a busy transfer window for City, with several senior midfield players having already left or been linked with exits. The BBC’s report also notes that Chelsea have been through a difficult period involving Fernandez’s form and wider uncertainty around the club. If completed, the deal would underline both City’s spending power and Chelsea’s willingness to consider major sales when valuations are met.