Chelsea have issued a firm ultimatum to Manchester City over Enzo Fernandez, telling the Premier League champions they must pay a staggering £120m if they want to take the Argentina midfielder this summer.
The demand comes amid growing speculation around both clubs’ midfields, with City scrambling for reinforcements as Barcelona circle Rodri, and Chelsea determined not to lose one of their most important players on the cheap.
Chelsea Set The Price And The Deadline
Fernandez still has six years left on the lucrative deal he signed after joining from Benfica for around £107m in January 2023. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old has grown into the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield.
His range of passing, ability to control tempo, vision between the lines and contribution in the final third have made him indispensable. He was also central to Chelsea’s trophy runs, helping the Blues lift the UEFA Conference League in 2025 and the FIFA Club World Cup later that same summer.
Because of that standing, Chelsea have made it clear they are not looking to sell. But club sources say if a team meets the £120m valuation, they will not stand in his way.
The Blues have gone a step further by putting a time limit on any deal. According to Stamford Bridge insiders, Manchester City and any other suitors have until Friday 5pm UK time to meet the asking price.
Head coach Xabi Alonso wants clarity before the season starts. Chelsea open their Premier League campaign away at Fulham on August 24, and Alonso is keen to have a settled squad for his first official game in charge.
City’s Urgency Driven By Rodri Situation
Manchester City’s sudden push for Fernandez is directly linked to the situation around Rodri.
Barcelona have been chasing the Spanish midfielder for weeks. An initial bid was rejected outright, but the Catalan club have come back with a fresh offer of €60m, around £51.24m.
City have made it clear that figure is nowhere near enough for a player who is regarded as one of their best-ever signings. Rodri has less than 12 months left on his contract and has reportedly told people close to him that he wants to join Barcelona.
With that uncertainty hanging over their midfield anchor, City manager Enzo Maresca has identified Fernandez as his top target to rebuild the engine room.
Maresca knows Fernandez well from his time as Chelsea head coach and is said to have been an admirer of the Argentine long before the Rodri saga escalated. The Italian sees Fernandez’s profile, composure on the ball and big-game experience as the perfect fit to replace what City could lose if Rodri departs.
Real Madrid Link Fizzles Out
Chelsea have been bracing for interest in Fernandez all summer. Real Madrid were heavily linked at one point and were considered front-runners in the background.
However, sources say there was never any direct club-to-club contact between Madrid and Chelsea for the World Cup winner. That left the door open for City, but only at Chelsea’s terms.
The £120m figure is designed to test City’s resolve. It is higher than the £107m Chelsea paid Benfica 18 months ago and would make Fernandez one of the most expensive midfielders in Premier League history if paid.
Alonso Wants Stability Before Fulham
Time is now a factor. Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage in just over 10 days for Alonso’s first competitive match. The new manager has stressed the need for continuity and does not want the Fernandez saga dragging into the season.
That is why the Friday deadline has been set. If City or another club trigger the fee, Chelsea will sanction the exit. If not, Fernandez stays and remains a central part of Alonso’s plans.
Despite the noise, insiders insist Chelsea are not actively pushing Fernandez out. The stance has been consistent since May. He is valued, he is wanted, but the club will listen at the right price.
City are in a difficult position. Pay £120m for Fernandez and they solve their midfield problem, but at a huge cost. Walk away and they risk entering the season without a clear replacement for Rodri if Barcelona succeed.
