Man City retain Enzo Fernandez interest after Chelsea cut-off

Manchester City remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite missing the deadline set by Chelsea to make an offer. The Premier League champions are still weighing up whether to move before the transfer window closes, with Fernandez continuing to feature prominently in the final weeks of the market.

Chelsea deadline passed without City bid

Chelsea had set a cut-off of last Friday at 5pm for any approach on terms that had previously been agreed with Fernandez’s representatives in May. City did not submit a bid before that point, meaning the midfielder can no longer leave Stamford Bridge on those £120m terms.

Even so, the wider transfer window remains open for the rest of the month, and City are yet to make a final call on whether to test Chelsea’s resolve before September 1.

Fernandez remains under the spotlight

Fernandez was introduced from the bench in Chelsea’s friendly win over Real Sociedad on Saturday and was booed by sections of the crowd. The Argentina World Cup finalist has already been the subject of significant attention this summer, with uncertainty around his future carrying over from the end of last season.

Towards the close of the previous campaign, Chelsea suspended Fernandez for two matches after he cast doubt over his future while away on international duty. Interest from Real Madrid was also reported at the time, although the Spanish club later ruled out a move in an official statement in early July.

City assessing midfield options

City’s continued interest in Fernandez comes as they explore midfield reinforcements. The club remain in talks with Lille over Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille understood to want around £85m for the player.

Talks between City and Lille were confirmed over the weekend by head coach Davide Ancelotti. City are looking at replacements for Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, with Reijnders set to join Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah for around £51m.

Decision still to come before window closes

For now, Fernandez remains a Chelsea player, but City’s interest has not disappeared simply because the initial deadline passed. The key question is whether City decide to revive their pursuit in the remaining days of the window, or turn fully to alternative targets as they reshape their midfield.