Man City reply to Enzo Fernandez switch demand as Chelsea’s deadline attracts nearer
Chelsea have set a deadline for interested parties to bid for Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged the club’s position
Enzo Fernandez is considering his options this summer(Image: Alex Pantling – The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
Manchester City have responded to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez transfer deadline demand amid speculation the Cityzens could launch a £120million bid.
New City manager Enzo Maresca knows all about Fernandez and how Chelsea operate from his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, but the Italian is seemingly ready to test Chelsea’s stance as he acknowledged the club will not be submitting an offer for the midfielder before Chelsea’s deadline of 5pm on Friday.
The Blues are seeking clarity on whether their Argentine midfielder will remain at the club for the forthcoming campaign and, in a bid to secure some certainty, made it plain that any interested clubs would need to table bids by close of business on Friday so Xabi Alonso could begin Premier League preparations.
Chelsea have set Enzo Fernandez’s price tag at £120million(Image: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Fernandez has been strongly linked with a switch to Real Madrid and expressed his ambition to reside in the Spanish capital last season, which resulted in disciplinary action. Los Blancos have publicly declared they have no interest in signing him, but City and the player’s connections with Maresca have sparked speculation about a potential move to the Etihad.
Chelsea would demand £120million before entertaining any negotiations, which would constitute a club-record purchase for City. However, Maresca acknowledges that the Manchester side will not be tabling an offer before the deadline expires.
He said: “Not today to be honest, I don’t think we’re going to do something today.”
Fernandez is set to return to Chelsea following his extended break after the World Cup(Image: Image Photo Agency, Getty Images)
City’s urgency to act could still be driven by Rodri’s future plans with the Spaniard entering the final year of his deal. Rodri has returned to Manchester following his World Cup triumph and being crowned the tournament’s outstanding performer.
He has been fundamental to City’s achievements under Pep Guardiola but, as they enter a fresh chapter, the Ballon d’Or recipient might opt to return to his native country. Real Madrid have maintained a long-standing interest but Barcelona have jumped ahead of them in the queue and have witnessed offers turned down.
City are believed to be demanding £70million should they decide to sell – and Maresca has done little to silence speculation regarding Rodri’s possible exit.
The Italian declared: “As I have already said, the window is open. We can buy players, sell players. Anything can happen. I just saw Rodri now in the building, I just gave him a big hug and we will see what happens.”
Tijjani Reijnders is heading to Saudi Arabia for £52m following a challenging debut season in Manchester and Bernardo Silva has already departed after his contract expired.
City have been forced to overhaul their midfield and Elliot Anderson has already arrived in a club-record transfer from Nottingham Forest. The club are also said to be nearing the £85m capture of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, who shone with Morocco at the World Cup.
