Manchester City are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with the club prepared to submit a bid that could exceed £116 million, according to TEAMtalk. This comes as Real Madrid have seemingly cooled their interest in the Argentine, shifting their focus to other midfield targets.
Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge has been uncertain since earlier this year, with the player reportedly expressing a desire to leave. Chelsea subsequently paused contract talks, though the club remain reluctant to sell a key signing from January 2023, when they paid Benfica £106.9 million for his services. They have, however, indicated they would consider offers exceeding that initial fee.
The situation between Fernandez and Chelsea reportedly deteriorated following comments suggesting his interest in a move to Real Madrid, leading to an internal suspension. While he remains a squad member, sources indicate the relationship has not fully recovered. Real Madrid initially expressed strong interest, with president Florentino Perez mentioning Fernandez during his election campaign and incoming coach Jose Mourinho believed to be open to the transfer.
However, Madrid’s priorities have changed, with the club now concentrating on securing Rodri and extending Aurelien Tchouameni’s contract. They have already added Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, and Bernardo Silva to their squad, and are also nearing a deal for winger Yan Diomande.
City manager Enzo Maresca is a known admirer of Fernandez, and has communicated this to the club’s director of football, Hugo Viana. Despite already investing heavily in midfield with the signing of Elliot Anderson and ongoing negotiations for Ayyoub Bouaddi, City believe there could still be space in the squad for a player of Fernandez’s quality, particularly with potential departures of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, and Nico Gonzalez. A combined deal for Bouaddi and Fernandez could reach £200 million.
Atletico Madrid have also emerged as potential suitors, with manager Diego Simeone a long-time admirer of his fellow Argentine. A move for Fernandez would likely depend on the departure of Julian Alvarez to create financial flexibility and space within the squad.
