Chelsea still open to selling Enzo Fernandez
August 18, 2026 04:16
Chelsea remain open to letting Enzo Fernández move this summer amid sustained interest from Manchester City, according to reports. The club and the Argentine midfielder had reportedly agreed a verbal £120m release clause earlier in the summer, but that agreement is said to have expired last Friday, leaving the situation fluid.
Sources suggest Chelsea no longer view £120m as a guaranteed sale price, yet a departure before the transfer window closes is still possible. Manchester City are reportedly in ongoing contact with Fernández’s representatives and may submit a formal offer soon.
KEY CONTEXT
- A verbal agreement on a £120m release clause between Chelsea and Enzo Fernández was reportedly made earlier in the summer; that arrangement has since lapsed.
- With the clause no longer in force, Chelsea are said to be seeking more than £120m if they are to sell.
- Manchester City have been continuing discussions with the player’s entourage and are understood to be working on a potential proposal that could structure payments as a lower upfront fee plus add-ons.
- If Fernández departs, Chelsea are reportedly considering midfield replacements, with speculation linking them to Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi; Arsenal are said to be open to selling Zubimendi for £77m. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been identified as an admirer of the Spaniard.
- The summer transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
The outcome will affect Chelsea’s midfield composition and transfer strategy for the remainder of the window: a sale of Enzo Fernández would free funds but also require recruitment to replace a World Cup-winning midfielder. For Manchester City, structuring a deal with add-ons could be a way to meet Chelsea’s valuation while spreading cost — a tactic that, if used, would shape how both clubs manage finances and squad planning this summer.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester City submit a formal proposal and how that offer is structured (upfront fee versus add-ons).
- If Chelsea will accept an offer below, at, or above the previously reported £120m figure.
- Whether Chelsea pursue a replacement and if they target Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal.
- How the situation develops before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.
KEY FACTS
- Chelsea and Enzo Fernández reportedly agreed a verbal £120m release clause earlier in the summer; that clause is said to have expired last Friday.
- Chelsea are reported to now want more than £120m for the midfielder.
- Manchester City are in ongoing contact with Fernández’s entourage and may make a formal offer soon.
- Reports indicate City could propose about £100m upfront with add-ons that could lift the total beyond £120m.
- Arsenal are reportedly prepared to sell Martin Zubimendi for £77m; Xabi Alonso is noted as an admirer.