Chelsea have increased their valuation of Enzo Fernandez, meaning Manchester City would now have to pay more than the £120million they were quoted earlier this summer to sign the midfielder before the transfer deadline.
City's midfield overhaul
The news comes as new City boss Enzo Maresca seeks to bolster his midfield options following the impending transfer of Rodri to Barcelona. City have already spent £116million on Elliot Anderson this summer and are close to agreeing a deal with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Maresca's need for reinforcements was highlighted on Sunday as Arsenal strolled to a 3-0 Community Shield win at the Millennium Stadium. Confirmation of Rodri's move to Barcelona hours later added to the sense of urgency.
Chelsea's stance
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea's valuation of Fernandez has increased with time running out to source his potential successor. The Argentina international was booed by a section of the Stamford Bridge crowd over the weekend amid speculation over his future and his antics during Argentina's World Cup semi-final win over England, but his valuation has not been dented.
If City give up the chase, Chelsea remain confident that Fernandez can be reintegrated back into the squad. However, an exit would see Xabi Alonso dip back into the transfer market. The Blues had an offer rejected for Alex Scott last month, with Bournemouth insisting their star midfielder isn't for sale. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been monitoring the England international, but they have secured alternative midfield targets, leaving Chelsea potentially unchallenged.
Alonso's reaction
Alonso, appointed manager over the summer, did not hold a press conference after the win over Sociedad but said he was 'delighted' with the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, despite the abuse aimed at Fernandez, and thanked fans for the 'great reception'.
'It was emotional to feel my first time in the new home,' Alonso told Chelsea's official website. 'A great reception from the supporters to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so delighted. We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and we connect. To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team.'
