Chelsea set Man City Enzo Fernandez deadline as never-before-seen transfer tactic used
Chelsea have reportedly set a deadline of 5pm this Friday (August 14) for Manchester City to sign Enzo Fernandez.
City boss Enzo Maresca is said to be keen on reuniting with Fernandez, whom he previously worked with during his time at Chelsea.
The Argentinian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea throughout the summer, with it previously looking like he would join Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, although interest from Los Blancos has since cooled.
Chelsea value Fernandez at £120million, which would represent City’s transfer record should they decide to pay the asking price. The club have already broken their transfer record this summer with the £116million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
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As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea say they have explained the deadline to City, with the player’s valuation confirmed to Fernandez’s agent since the end of last season.
The report reads: “Fernandez’s future is still uncertain at the club, with Chelsea leaving him off the ‘not for sale’ list this summer. He was suspended by the club for two games in April for comments made while away on international duty in which he criticised decisions by the hierarchy and appeared to flirt with a move to Real Madrid.
“Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore spoke about the lack of progress in contract talks earlier in the year too and there is no sign of a new agreement, with the Argentine’s existing terms running until 2032.”
Enzo Fernandez urged to stay at Chelsea amid Man City interest
Despite Fernandez being linked with a move, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he would like the player to stay.
The 25-year-old’s midfield partner Moises Caicedo has also urged his South American counterpart to stay at Stamford Bridge.
“I love Enzo,” he said earlier in August. “He knows I have a lot of respect for him. We know the player he is and he is also a great person. I want him to stay. If he stays here he is going to be massive for us. For sure, he is going to think and do what is best for him.”
When asked if Fernandez will be able to handle criticism due to the transfer links, Caicedo added: “100 per cent. He is a strong player and has his own mentality. He is a World champion. For sure he is going manage the pressure and will continue how he finished.”
The 2022 World Cup winner has returned to Chelsea's camp and was pictured training with his teammates earlier today (August 12).
Fernandez, who is contracted to Chelsea until 2032, has made 169 appearances for the club, contributing 31 goals and 30 assists.
Topics: Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea, Man City
Luke Davies