Chelsea midfielder closing in on Man City transfer
August 28, 2026 01:58
Journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reports Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández is close to joining Manchester City, with the move said to be likely to happen within days. Merlo adds that Fernández asked Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to omit him from the squad for the Luton Town game as he pushes for the transfer.
No formal bid from Manchester City had been lodged at the time of the report. Chelsea are valuing the 25-year-old at £120m, while City believe a lower initial fee supplemented by add-ons could be agreed.
KEY CONTEXT
- Fernández has been linked with an exit from Chelsea throughout the summer, according to the report.
- Chelsea say they will look to recruit a direct replacement if the Argentine leaves; Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is named as their primary target.
- The report states Bournemouth are hesitant to sell Scott, but Chelsea are confident a deal around £80m can be reached.
WHY IT MATTERS
A potential sale of Fernández would remove a starting central midfielder and a World Cup winner from Chelsea’s squad, prompting an urgent search for reinforcement. For Manchester City, securing a high-profile midfield addition would represent a significant summer acquisition, but the two clubs need to reconcile Chelsea’s £120m valuation with City’s preference for a lower initial outlay plus add-ons.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester City will submit a formal offer and if so what structure (fee plus add-ons) it will take.
- Whether a transfer is completed in the coming days as reported.
- Chelsea’s progress in attempting to sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth and whether the clubs can agree on a fee.
KEY FACTS
- Report by Cesar Luis Merlo, published on August 27, 2026 (EyeFootball).
- Enzo Fernández, 25, reportedly asked to be left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Luton Town match.
- Chelsea’s asking price: £120m; Manchester City aiming for a smaller fee with add-ons.
- Chelsea are targeting Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as Fernández’s potential replacement; Chelsea believe an £80m agreement is possible.