Chelsea deadline passes as Manchester City remain keen on Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea’s self-imposed deadline for Manchester City to submit an offer for Enzo Fernandez has passed, but City continue to believe a deal for the midfielder could still be possible

Chelsea had set 5pm on Friday as the deadline for Manchester City to make a formal £120 million proposal for Fernandez. The club wanted clarity on the situation so they could plan for a potential replacement should they decide to sell the Argentina international.

However, Manchester City do not consider Chelsea’s deadline to be the end of the transfer saga. The official transfer window remains open until September 1, and there is still confidence within the club that Fernandez could be open to a move to the Etihad.

City have remained in contact with Fernandez’s representatives regarding a possible transfer. At the end of Friday, the Premier League champions still regarded a deal as a realistic possibility.

Chelsea, however, have taken a different stance following the expiry of their deadline. The club now considers the matter effectively closed and would demand a higher fee if they were to reconsider selling Fernandez.

The 25-year-old remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032, although there continues to be a belief that the midfielder could be interested in leaving Chelsea.

If Fernandez does eventually depart, Manchester City are regarded as his most likely destination.

Chelsea sources insist that the situation is settled and that the club would be comfortable keeping the Argentina international. Chelsea have even considered offering Fernandez a new contract, underlining their desire to retain him.

City’s continued interest, however, means the transfer story may not be finished despite Chelsea’s deadline passing.

For now, Fernandez remains a Chelsea player, but with the transfer window still open, Manchester City’s interest leaves the door open for a potential late move.