Manchester City have opened negotiations with Chelsea over a potential move for midfielder Enzo Fernandez as the Premier League champions intensify efforts to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.
The proposed transfer could become one of the biggest deals of the summer, with Chelsea understood to be demanding at least £120 million for the Argentina international.
Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing as they attempt to agree on a transfer fee.
Fernandez, 25, is reportedly open to joining City and would reunite with manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with the midfielder during his time at Chelsea.
Should both clubs reach an agreement, the transfer is expected to progress quickly, with personal terms not believed to be an obstacle.
Although formal negotiations only recently began, Chelsea have long been aware of Manchester City’s interest in Fernandez. The London club had earlier set an unofficial deadline for any deal to be completed at a minimum fee of £120 million, but that timeline passed without an agreement.
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If completed, the move would rank among the most expensive transfers in Premier League history, behind only Liverpool’s £125 million signing of Alexander Isak last summer.
Fernandez is said to have maintained a strong relationship with Maresca, who left Chelsea earlier this year before taking over at Manchester City in June.
The transfer would also mark City’s second record-breaking signing of the current window after the club paid £116 million to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
City have reshaped their midfield this summer following the departures of several key players. Tijjani Reijnders joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah in a £52 million deal, Rodri completed a £65 million move to Barcelona, Nico Gonzalez is set to join Newcastle United in a £52 million transfer, while Bernardo Silva has left for Real Madrid.
Fernandez’s future at Chelsea has been the subject of speculation in recent months. The midfielder and his representative, former Paris Saint-Germain player Javier Pastore, were linked with a possible move to Real Madrid before the Spanish club publicly denied making an approach.
The uncertainty surrounding the Argentine’s future has continued since Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League elimination by Paris Saint-Germain in March, with reports suggesting Fernandez has become increasingly dissatisfied with the situation at Stamford Bridge.
