Man City set to make Enzo Fernandez bid to spark last-minute transfer chaos

Manchester City are set to launch a bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, talkSPORT understands.

The Argentina international is the club’s leading midfield target.

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Enzo Maresca has been the driving force behind City’s interest in Fernandez, with an offer now being prepared.

Chelsea will only entertain an offer if both their valuation is met and a replacement is found.

The Blues 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, talks over the move are 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 latest

Fernandez was left out of the starting line-up for Chelsea’s season opener on Monday.

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

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

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are in advanced talks to sign Nico Gonzalez, paving the way for Fernandez’s arrival.

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

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

Chelsea midfield targets

As well as having their valuation met, Chelsea will only sanction the sale of Fernandez if a replacement is signed.

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs revealed on Monday that the Blues have shortlisted four targets to fill his 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, he explained: “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.

“But Chelsea need their valuation met, and they’ll likely need a replacement. 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.

“So, if Chelsea run out of replacements, then they’ll [Man City] have to wait until 2027. It will be a complicated deal, but we have to keep an eye on it until the final minutes of the window.”