Chelsea hold the reins as Man City chase Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea have sent a clear message that they control Enzo Fernandez’s future and would be happy to keep the 25‑year‑old Argentine midfielder, even as Manchester City continue to chase him ahead of the transfer window deadline on September 1, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Why Chelsea want to retain Fernandez

Chelsea’s stance is underpinned by Fernandez’s six‑year contract in west London, which gives the club significant leverage. Former Chelsea midfielder Enzo Maresca, who worked with the 25‑year‑old during an 18‑month spell at Stamford Bridge, has been actively urging Manchester City to finalise a deal.

Manchester City’s record signing of Elliot Anderson for £116 million last month shows their willingness to spend, and a £120 million fee for Fernandez would rank as the fourth‑biggest move in football history. Fabrizio Romano expects City to try again for the Argentine before the September 1 deadline, despite the deadline for bids passing last Friday at 5 pm.

Romano quoted the club as saying “Manchester City are still thinking of Enzo Fernandez in midfield, Manchester City are not giving up for Enzo Fernandez even after the deadline”. He added that City, after a loss to Arsenal, are also in talks for 18‑year‑old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has agreed personal terms.

If Chelsea keep Fernandez, they retain a key Argentine talent who recently earned a World Cup runners‑up medal and was booed during a friendly with Real Sociedad. Should City succeed, they would add a player with a long contract to a squad eager for reinforcements, while Chelsea would lose a midfielder they have signalled they are prepared to retain.

The accompanying picture by Getty captures the midfielder, while an AP photo shows Maresca urging the deal. Both images underscore the high profile of the transfer saga.