Manchester City have stepped up their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after opening direct negotiations with the London club over a potential Deadline Day transfer.
The Argentina international on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, reportedly made it clear that he wants to join City, increasing the possibility of a late move before the transfer window closes.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 in a deal worth £107 million (approximately Ksh17.7 billion). However, his future at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly uncertain after limited involvement at the beginning of the new season.
The midfielder featured in Chelsea’s opening Premier League fixture against Fulham but was not included in the squad for their Carabao Cup encounter with Luton. He was also left out when Chelsea subsequently faced Brighton.
Those developments have fuelled speculation that Fernandez could be on his way out, with Manchester City now attempting to take advantage of the situation.
Chelsea are understood to be willing to consider selling the 25-year-old if the right offer arrives. The club had previously reached an understanding with Fernandez’s representatives that he could leave for £120 million (about Ksh19.9 billion) if that figure was met by their August 14, 2026 deadline.
No proposal arrived before that deadline, but City’s interest has remained alive.
A move to the Etihad would also reunite Fernandez with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who worked with the midfielder at Stamford Bridge before taking charge of Manchester City.
Fernandez’s desire to make the switch could prove decisive as the two clubs continue discussions on Deadline Day.
City are looking to strengthen their midfield options, while Chelsea must now decide whether to retain one of the most expensive signings in their history or sanction his departure for a significant fee.
Alonso reacts
Commenting on the scenario after Chelsea beat Brighton on Sunday, August 30, 2026, manager Xabi Alonso said:
“We will see. We want the best for the team. That’s why we made the decision against Luton and today. Anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop,” Alonso explained.
The Chelsea boss added that the club is braced for any eventuality as the deadline approaches and rumours of Fernández’s potential departure intensify.
“We are not sure; we are preparing for all scenarios, but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday, we will have a good enough squad to compete in all our Premier League games,” he concluded.
With negotiations now taking place directly between the clubs, Fernandez’s future is expected to be one of the major storylines to watch as the transfer window reaches its climax.
