Man City remain in contact with Chelsea midfielder
August 16, 2026 02:18
Manchester City have continued talks with representatives of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, according to Fabrizio Romano. City did not meet Chelsea’s £120m asking price before a Friday 5pm deadline set by the Blues, and Fernández has since returned to Chelsea’s matchday squad.
Despite that deadline passing, Romano reports Manchester City remain in contact with the player’s entourage and that Fernández knows City have not abandoned interest. Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to sell for £120m and would likely demand more to sanction a departure.
KEY CONTEXT
- Chelsea imposed a cut-off time for offers for Enzo Fernández but received no bid meeting their £120m valuation.
- Manchester City are also pursuing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is expected to come in as a replacement for outgoing Tijjani Reijnders.
- The City squad is facing midfield turnover: Rodri is widely expected to move to Barcelona, prompting City to seek reinforcements and possible successors.
WHY IT MATTERS
City’s ongoing contact over Fernández signals they are actively trying to refresh their midfield amid anticipated exits (notably Rodri). Filling those gaps is a priority for City’s transfer window business; Fernández is being considered as a potential successor, and his availability or retention will shape City’s final midfield composition for the 2026/27 season.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Chelsea will revise their valuation and accept an offer above £120m.
- If Manchester City will escalate their bid or pivot to alternatives such as completing the Bouaddi deal.
- Any confirmation of Rodri’s move to Barcelona and how that affects City’s urgency in midfield recruitment.
- Whether Fernández departs before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.
KEY FACTS
- Reported by Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City remain in contact with Enzo Fernández’s representatives.
- Chelsea set a Friday 5pm deadline and did not receive a £120m offer from City.
- Fernández has returned to play for Chelsea after the deadline.
- Chelsea are said to no longer be willing to sell for £120m and may demand a higher fee.
- Manchester City are pursuing Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, expected to replace Tijjani Reijnders; Rodri is expected to move to Barcelona.