Fernandez to leave Chelsea for Man City transfer as Alonso makes decision

Enzo Fernandez is in advanced talks over a transfer to Manchester City, talkSPORT understands.

The Argentina international has been left out of the Blues squad for their Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town on Thursday night by Xabi Alonso as Fernandez looks to finalise his switch to City.

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Elsewhere for Chelsea, Alonso hands full debuts to summer signings Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria and goalkeeper Mike Penders.

New City boss Enzo Maresca has been the driving force behind City’s interest in Fernandez.

Chelsea previously set a deadline of 5pm on Friday, August 14 for interested clubs to meet their £120million asking price. However, the cut-off point passed without City making an offer.

Despite Chelsea’s stance, the deal is expected to accelerate during the final days of the transfer window.

Premier League clubs have until 11pm on Tuesday, September 1 to complete their business.

Fernandez to leave Chelsea

As well as not being involved for the second round tie, Fernandez was left out of the starting line-up for Chelsea’s season opener on Monday.

The 25-year-old came off the bench for the final 25 minutes in a 3-2 away win over Fulham.

City are keen to add him to their midfield alongside the arrival of Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Meanwhile, Newcastle completed the signing of Nico Gonzalez, paving the way for Fernandez’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca previously worked with the World Cup winner at Stamford Bridge.

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During their time together, they won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Chelsea midfield targets

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs revealed on Monday that the Blues have shortlisted four targets to fill Fernandez’s void in midfield.

Xabi Alonso’s side are looking at bringing in Manu Kone, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott or Eduardo Camavinga as a successor.

Appearing on Hawksbee and Jacobs, Jacobs explained on Monday: “We know that they still want Enzo Fernandez , and the money from Gonzalez, the squad space and wage space all help.

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“So, Fernandez is a big story between now and the end of the window… They like Alex Scott.

“But you have this domino and Man City and Chelsea will agree a deal at the right fee.

“But if Chelsea go for a replacement and Scott isn’t for sale or Adam Wharton isn’t for sale then Manu Kone becomes an option or Camavinga, potentially, but Real Madrid didn’t get Rodri.”