By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK , August 25, 2026 - Manchester City are preparing to make another attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández before the summer transfer window closes, with the Argentine reportedly open to a move to the Etihad Stadium.
The situation has developed rapidly in recent days after City previously failed to submit an offer by Chelsea's August 14 deadline. The Blues had made it clear to interested clubs that they would consider selling Fernández for around £120 million, but no acceptable formal proposal arrived before the deadline.
Now, with the transfer window entering its final week, City have reportedly revived their pursuit. Current reports indicate that the Premier League champions want to push for an agreement this week, although there remains a significant disagreement over the player's valuation. Gianluca Di Marzio's latest reporting, cited in Tuesday's transfer updates, says Chelsea could now demand more than the previously communicated £120 million figure, while City are not currently interested in exceeding that amount.
Fernández Open to Manchester City Move#
The player's position is another important part of the developing story.
Fernández's future has been uncertain for much of the summer. His agent previously confirmed that the midfielder was considering leaving Chelsea, although there was no agreement with another club at that stage. Real Madrid had been mentioned as a preferred destination, but Manchester City's interest has subsequently become increasingly significant.
Reports now suggest Fernández is open to joining City, particularly given his previous relationship with Enzo Maresca.
Maresca worked closely with Fernández during his time as Chelsea head coach and is now beginning a new era at Manchester City. City are attempting to rebuild their midfield following the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, making Fernández an attractive option because of his technical quality, passing range and ability to operate both as a deep midfielder and further forward.
City's interest has intensified because of major changes in their midfield.
Rodri has left Manchester City for Barcelona after the two clubs reached an agreement, while Nico González is also reportedly heading towards the exit. City have therefore been reshaping an area of the squad that has been central to their success in recent years.
The club have already invested heavily in midfield, including the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson and an agreement to bring in Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Nevertheless, Fernández represents a different profile and would give Maresca another elite-level option in possession and in the final third.
The financial situation could also become important. City's expected sale of Nico González to Newcastle, reportedly for around £50 million, could provide additional funds for another major signing.
Despite City's renewed interest, Chelsea are under no obligation to sell.
The club have previously communicated a £120 million valuation and set a firm deadline in August for interested parties to make their move. Chelsea subsequently expected Fernández to remain at Stamford Bridge after that deadline passed without an acceptable bid.
However, the fact that the midfielder has remained involved with the first team demonstrates that Chelsea have not frozen him out.
Fernández returned to Chelsea training after the 2026 World Cup and was included in the squad for the opening matches of the campaign. Chelsea's official website confirmed his return to training on August 11.
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He then came off the bench during Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24, replacing Romeo Lavia in the 65th minute as Xabi Alonso's side secured a 3-2 victory.
That involvement is significant because it shows Alonso is prepared to use Fernández while his future remains unresolved.
Alonso Wants the Situation Resolved#
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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has previously spoken positively about Fernández while avoiding definitive statements over his long-term future.
Earlier this month, Alonso reaffirmed that Fernández was preparing as a Chelsea player, while more recent reports indicate that the manager would prefer clarity over the situation rather than allowing the transfer speculation to continue throughout the season.
Chelsea also have their own squad-building considerations. The club's reported willingness to consider a sale is tied not simply to receiving a large fee but also to whether they can strengthen their squad sufficiently before allowing one of their most important midfielders to leave.
That makes the situation particularly complicated with the deadline approaching.
A Potential £120 Million Premier League Blockbuster#
Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar. Chelsea's official profile confirms that he signed a contract running until 2031.
Three years later, he could potentially become the subject of another enormous Premier League transfer.
City's interest is now genuine enough for another formal approach to be expected, but a bid has not yet been officially confirmed as accepted by Chelsea. The major obstacle remains the valuation.
If City submit the £120 million Chelsea previously demanded, negotiations could accelerate quickly. If Chelsea increase their demands, however, City may have to decide whether Fernández is worth becoming one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history.
For now, the most accurate picture is that Manchester City remain determined to pursue Fernández, the player is reportedly open to the move, and Chelsea are willing to listen under the right circumstances. But until a formal offer is submitted and accepted, Fernández remains a Chelsea player.
With the transfer window closing on September 1, the coming days could determine whether one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas ends with Fernández staying at Stamford Bridge or becoming the latest superstar to make a blockbuster move within the Premier League.