Chelsea have sent out a 'clear message' to Manchester City that they hold all the power over Enzo Fernandez's future and would be 'happy' to keep the midfielder, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Romano expects City to 'try again' for the Argentina international before the transfer window closes on September 1. Chelsea's deadline for clubs to submit bids came and went last Friday at 5pm, seemingly bringing an end to the speculation surrounding Fernandez ahead of the new season.
City remain hopeful
However, Romano insists City bosses remain hopeful their Premier League rivals could still be coaxed into an agreement and do not see the transfer saga as being over just yet. City already broke their transfer record by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116million last month, and a move for Fernandez – valued at £120m – would represent the fourth-biggest deal in football history. Fernandez still has six years remaining on his current contract in west London.
'Manchester City are still thinking of Enzo Fernandez in midfield, Manchester City are not giving up for Enzo Fernandez even after the deadline,' Romano told viewers in the latest video on his YouTube channel. 'Manchester City know that they have to negotiate now, there is no longer a verbal agreement on the exit. So now it's Chelsea deciding, it's Chelsea evaluating the situation.'
Talks continue for Fernandez and Bouaddi
Romano claims City remain in talks for Fernandez, as well as 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has agreed personal terms over a move to the Etihad. He added: 'It's on Chelsea to decide the price but Manchester City are still there, Manchester City are still calling the agent of the player, Manchester City are still in contact. Manchester City lost the game against Arsenal and it's very clear that Manchester City need signings.'
'I expect two things from Manchester City: close on Ayyoub Bouaddi. They have an agreement with Bouaddi on personal terms and they are expected also to advance the deal in the next hours. And then Enzo Fernandez. I expect City to try again, then we have to see what Chelsea will do and we have to see what the player will do. At the moment, Chelsea still send a very clear message: we are in control, we decide and we will be happy to keep Enzo.'
Fernandez's return and fan reaction
Fernandez first cast major doubt over his future as he publicly criticised Chelsea bosses over Maresca's departure in the back-end of last season – which resulted in him being banned for two matches. The 2022 World Cup winner made his return for Chelsea against Real Sociedad on Saturday and was roundly booed by a large section of fans inside Stamford Bridge.
