Manchester City remain in the mix for Enzo Fernandez despite Chelsea’s deadline passing last Friday.
Manchester City are expected to be active during the final days of the transfer window, with Enzo Maresca seeking urgent midfield reinforcements. Manchester City have seen several important players leave in recent days, with Tijjani Reijnders joining Saudi club Al-Qadsiah and Rodri agreeing to move to Barcelona.
Bernardo Silva has also departed as a free agent, while Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Nico Gonzalez. As a result, Manchester City are likely to pursue serious reinforcements.
A report by Football Insider believes City are still considering a move for the Argentine midfielder. Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to arrive, according to reports, while Fernandez remains on their radar.
Manchester City still pushing for Fernandez?
Manchester City have been interested in Fernandez for some time but have been unwilling to meet Chelsea’s reported £120 million asking price. The Stamford Bridge club set a deadline of last Friday for City or any other interested party to submit a bid, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
That deadline has now passed, and Romano stated that Chelsea consider Fernandez unavailable in the market. However, other reports have suggested that the club could still be willing to sell if they receive more than £120 million for the midfielder, who contributed 22 goals and assists for the Blues last season.
Manchester City are still expected to explore the possibility of signing Fernandez as they attempt to find common ground with Chelsea. Whether Chelsea would consider bids below £120 million is unclear, but the club appears unlikely to discount the midfielder.
Manchester City need midfield reinforcements
With several departures already completed and more potentially on the way, Manchester City are short of options in midfield. David Ornstein reported that City made an enquiry for Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace rejected the approach and insisted that they wanted to keep the midfielder.
Fernandez is now their next major target, although the chances of a deal currently appear slim. Nevertheless, if Manchester City make an offer large enough to satisfy Chelsea, the Argentine internationla could still move to the Etihad and reunite with Maresca.
As the transfer window closes, Manchester City must secure further midfield reinforcements before the campaign begins. Whether City are prepared to meet Chelsea’s demands or turn their attention to alternative midfield targets will become clear in the coming days.
