Chelsea has set a deadline of 17:00 BST today for Manchester City to make an offer for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who they value at £120m. This potential transfer could reunite Fernandez with new City boss Enzo Maresca, his former manager at Chelsea.
However, City manager Enzo Maresca indicated in a news conference on Friday that he doesn't anticipate any imminent transfer business. A move for Fernandez appears to hinge on City selling Spanish midfielder Rodri to Barcelona, with City reportedly asking for 80m euros (£68.4m) for the player.
Rodri, who won the 2026 World Cup's best player award, wants to return to Spain and join Barcelona. If Rodri departs, it would leave only three players who started the 2023 Champions League final remaining at City: Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish.
If the £120m deal for Fernandez goes through, it would be the fourth biggest transfer in football history. City has already made a significant midfield signing this summer with Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m.