- Chelsea's £120m deadline for Enzo Fernández has passed without a Manchester City bid, but Pep Guardiola's side could still make another move.
Chelsea deadline passes without Manchester City bid
Enzo Fernández could remain at Chelsea after Manchester City failed to submit a bid before the deadline set by the London club, according to The Athletic. Chelsea had given City until 5pm today (UK) to meet their £120 million valuation for the midfielder, but no official offer arrived, leaving the Blues increasingly confident that the Argentine midfielder will stay for the 2026-27 season.
Chelsea has always been open to keeping Fernández, with Xabi Alonso viewing him as an important part of his plans. The club's position was clear, however: if the player pushed for a move and their valuation was met, they would consider a sale. With neither condition currently met, Chelsea now expect him to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City has not ruled out a late move
However, it remains to be seen if the city makes any different approaches for the player. According to Ben Jacobs, City's club sources didn’t rule out the signing and pointed to Chelsea's pursuit of Enzo in January 2023, which was completed in the final minutes of the transfer window after Benfica publicly said the Argentine midfielder was not for sale.
The deadline passing does not necessarily end City's interest, but it does change the economics of the deal. Chelsea have little reason to lower their valuation now, while City must decide whether Fernández is worth stretching their transfer budget for.
Manchester City is managed by former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who left the club last year. The city is looking to utilize the close professional relationship between the player and Maresca to convince the player to make a deal; however, the transfer fee remains the biggest hurdle.
Dimarzio of Sky Sports Italia reported that City is willing to bid £102 million for the Argentinian midfielder, but Chelsea stands firm on its valuation.
With Reijnders already gone and Rodri's future uncertain, City have a clear incentive to strengthen their midfield before the window closes.