The potential transfer of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City is mirroring last summer's Alexander Isak saga, creating uncertainty for Chelsea. The Blues had previously agreed with Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, that the Argentina midfielder could leave for £120m, with a bid deadline set for August 14.
However, with no formal offers received by last Friday's deadline, Chelsea have informed Fernandez's camp that he is not for sale in the current transfer window. Despite this, Manchester City, led by Fernandez's former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, reportedly remain keen to sign the 25-year-old and believe Chelsea are still open to a deal.
City are looking to strengthen their midfield after Rodri's move to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva's departure. They have already signed Elliot Anderson for £116m, Jeremy Monga for £12.5m, and Geronimo Rulli for £1.7m. Spanish reports indicate Chelsea may privately be open to selling Fernandez and have engaged agent Jorge Mendes to resolve the situation.
Fernandez's relationship with Chelsea fans has also seen mixed reactions, with both jeers and cheers heard when he came on during a recent friendly. Chelsea, however, remain confident in reintegrating him and showed intent by giving him the captain's armband last weekend. The outcome of Fernandez's future is expected to be a key theme in the final two weeks of the transfer window.