Chelsea has set a deadline for Manchester City to finalize the signing of Enzo Fernández, as the London club desires to end the controversy surrounding the Argentine midfielder’s future before the start of the new season.
According to journalist David Ornstein, Chelsea has informed City officials of the need to complete the deal before 5:00 PM on Friday, amid serious interest from the Sky Blues in signing the player.
The Blues have set Enzo’s price tag at £120 million, stressing that this valuation will only be available until the deadline expires. After that, the door to his departure will be closed, and the player will remain at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea does not want negotiations to drag on into the final weeks of the transfer window, as the management seeks to provide the coaching staff with a stable squad at the beginning of the season and determine the situation of one of their most important midfielders early on.
Manchester City’s interest comes at the request of their manager, Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Fernández at Chelsea and shares a strong relationship with him. However, the English champions have yet to submit an offer that meets the London club’s demands.
Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for £106.8 million. He has played over 150 matches for the team, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup with them.
The World Cup winner’s contract with Chelsea runs until the summer of 2032, giving the club a strong negotiating position. Meanwhile, Manchester City now has less than two days to decide whether to agree to pay the £120 million or abandon the deal.
