Chelsea may have to brace themselves for an Enzo Fernandez bid from Manchester City before their self-imposed deadline. Standard Sport understands that the Blues have set a 5pm BST deadline on Friday (August 14) for any interested clubs to meet their £120million valuation of the 25-year-old.
City's pursuit and funding needs
Real Madrid had been linked with a move for the Argentina international earlier in the summer, but distanced themselves by releasing a statement confirming they had no intention of pursuing a deal. As such, this has left Man City as the only reported suitor for Fernandez as new head coach Enzo Maresca is eyeing a reunion with the Chelsea star following a successful period together at Stamford Bridge.
However, having spent £116m on Elliot Anderson this summer and closing in on an £85m deal for Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, City will likely need to raise funds in order to meet the £120m asking price for Fernandez.
Reijnders sale could fund move
That said, a cash windfall could be imminent via the sale of Tijjani Reijnders. While Nottingham Forest had been targeting a high-profile swoop for the Dutch international this summer, just one year after he moved to the Etihad Stadium from AC Milan in a £46.5m transfer, a move to Saudi Arabia is on the cards.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah are in advanced talks with Man City to sign Reijnders and are close to agreeing a deal worth around £60m. Of course, City would still need to raise a further £60m to fund a deal for Fernandez, but they are seeking a figure in that region for Rodri after rejecting two bids from Barcelona.
Rodri's potential departure
It’s understood that talks are ongoing between the two clubs, with the World Cup winner said to favour a move to Barcelona over any other club, with Real Madrid also credited with interest in the 30-year-old.
