Chelsea's deadline for bids for Enzo Fernandez lapsed last week without any offers, but the Argentine midfielder could still leave before the transfer window closes on September 1. Manchester City retain interest in the player, who was booed at Stamford Bridge during a recent friendly.
Deadline passes without offers
Last Wednesday, Chelsea set an arbitrary deadline of 5pm BST on Friday for bids from potential suitors. The club wanted clarity on whether new manager Xabi Alonso would have Fernandez in his squad for his first campaign in charge, avoiding the saga lingering into the final weeks of the window.
Chelsea valued Fernandez at £120 million and refused to consider his exit for anything below that figure. Early in July, Real Madrid released a strongly-worded statement denying any interest, ruling out a move there.
Manchester City's ongoing interest
Ex-Blues boss Enzo Maresca wants to reunite with Fernandez, and attention focused on Manchester City ahead of the deadline. Chelsea communicated payment terms to all interested parties, but no written offer was made by the deadline.
City have since lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield and agreed to sell Rodri to Barcelona, increasing their midfield needs. They are close to signing Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille but are said to have not given up on Fernandez.
Chelsea's stance and potential exit
If City bid near Chelsea's valuation, the club faces a tough decision over a player booed by sections of the home support during Saturday's 3-1 friendly win over Real Sociedad. Club sources indicate Chelsea are preparing to keep Fernandez for the season and won't consider his sale until next summer, ruling out a January exit.
A bid close to their valuation would test that stance. If Chelsea buckle and accept an offer, Fernandez could still leave this summer. If they maintain their hard line, he would remain a Chelsea player at least until June 2027 and feature heavily under Alonso this season.
