Chelsea's deadline for clubs to bid £120million for Enzo Fernandez passed without an offer, and the Blues now expect the midfielder to remain at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old was a top target for Manchester City, who were told alongside other interested clubs that they had until 5pm UK time on Friday to meet his valuation.
It is understood that Chelsea have not received a bid. The Blues now expect Fernandez to be part of Xabi Alonso's squad after the transfer window closes on September 1. City, however, do not believe the saga is over and think Chelsea would still be open to selling their vice-captain, who returned to training this week following the World Cup.
City's midfield plans
City are looking to sign a replacement for star midfielder Rodri, who is edging closer to a move to Barcelona. Another City midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, has agreed to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah in a £52m deal.
Barcelona have made two offers for Rodri, the latest of which came in at £51m, after the 30-year-old agreed personal terms. But City held firm and turned down the proposal. Etihad chiefs are demanding £60m for Rodri, who is in the final year of his contract.
Maresca's pre-match comments
Maresca will take charge of his first competitive match as City boss on Sunday, as his side face Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. During his pre-match press conference, the Italian said he did not anticipate any imminent arrivals but reckons City will make 'one or two' more signings before the window closes.
"For sure there are things that we need to do. How many, I don't know," Maresca admitted. "Could be one, could be two. Depends also if players leave. Now, in this moment 48 hours before a final - my first final in this club - I will try to win the first trophy. First of all, the transfer window is open, we can buy players and we can sell players, anything can happen ... I just saw Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug, he looks good so we see what happens."
On Reijnders, he added: "It is not done officially, we will see in the next hours. I already spoke with him a few times in pre-season. We will see at the end if he is going to leave or going to stay. In the way he was playing in the pre-season games I was quite happy with his performances overall. I know Tij from Italy, from (AC) Milan when he was there, so I know him quite well. Probably there he was playing in a different position, he likes to play a little bit more deep than higher on the pitch. But again, in the pre-season he was good and now we see what happens and then we decide."
