Manchester City are prepared to pay Chelsea’s £120m asking price for Enzo Fernandez this summer, reports claim. The move comes as City rebuild their midfield following Rodri’s departure to Barcelona, while Chelsea plan to raise £140m by selling three strikers to fund their own rebuild. According to Football365.com.
City’s midfield rebuild hinges on meeting Chelsea’s £120m Fernandez price
Manchester City are prepared to pay the £120m Chelsea have set as their asking price for Enzo Fernandez, according to reports. The move comes after City sold Rodri to Barcelona last Tuesday in a deal worth €76m (£65m), leaving a clear gap in central midfield that City are moving to fill.
Widespread reports on Sunday claimed City had agreed a fee to sign Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as Rodri’s replacement, while manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly also keen on bringing Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium as City continue searching for a second new midfielder this summer.
City missed Chelsea’s 5pm deadline on Friday 14 August for formal bids, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed City would test the waters before the window closes. Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Manchester City are not giving up on Enzo Fernandez, even after the deadline.”
Romano explained there is no longer a verbal agreement on Fernandez’s Chelsea exit, meaning it is now up to Chelsea to decide the price. He added that City remain in contact with the player’s agent, with the club needing signings after their defeat to Arsenal.
Chelsea have sent a clear message throughout the saga that they remain in control of the situation, insisting they will be happy to keep Fernandez if their valuation is not met. Romano said City are expected to try again for the midfielder before the window shuts.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke told the Football Insider podcast that City are rebuilding their midfield after Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders all left the club. He added: “Chelsea are open to selling Fernandez as well for the right price.” O’Rourke said City now have funds to strengthen the position after selling Rodri and Reijnders to the Saudi Pro League.
Chelsea are also planning to raise funds by selling three strikers, according to The Standard via Football Transfers. The Blues reportedly want £65m for Nicolas Jackson, £50m for Liam Delap and £25m for Marc Guiu, as they look to bring in £140m for the trio this summer.
