Chelsea set a 5pm BST Friday deadline for offers to meet their £120 million valuation of midfielder Enzo Fernández, who currently plays for Chelsea and is wanted by Manchester City [1, 2, 3]. City’s manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday the club is unlikely to complete any transfer business that day and will not meet Chelsea’s deadline. "Not today to be honest, I don’t think we’re going to do something today," Maresca said. "For sure there are things we need to do, how many I don’t know, can be one can be two depends also if players want to leave so we can see." [2]
Manchester City’s ability to sign Fernández hinges on selling Spanish midfielder Rodri to Barcelona. City are asking €80 million (£68.4 million) for Rodri, a World Cup winner and key player who has a year left on his contract [1, 2]. However, Barcelona’s bids have fallen short of that valuation. The Catalan club has submitted two offers around £38.5 million, both rejected by City, who expect a third bid soon [1, 2]. Maresca declined to discuss players from other clubs in detail, saying, "I don't think it's correct to speak about players from another club. At the same time, I don't think it's correct when other clubs speak about our players. That's why I'm not going to do it." [3]
Chelsea captain Reece James was injured earlier this season, during which Maresca made Fernández captain and played him regularly for the team [1]. Meanwhile, City have already made a major signing this summer, acquiring Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson for £116 million [1]. They also plan to sell fringe players, including Tijjani Reijnders, who is set to join Saudi club Al-Qadsiah for £51 million [2].
Rodri returned to City from his World Cup holiday on Thursday, and negotiations with Barcelona continue [2]. City will wait for Barcelona’s next bid before making further decisions on the Fernández deal.
The Friday 5pm deadline Chelsea set for offers to meet their £120 million valuation of Fernández passed without City making a formal bid [1, 2, 3]. City will continue talks with Barcelona over Rodri’s transfer before proceeding with signing Fernández.
