Chelsea's £120m Stance on Enzo Fernandez Amid Transfer Window Uncertainty
Manchester City's Absence from Bidding and Conflicting Reports on Midfielder's Future
Carla Rooney
Chelsea set a firm £120m valuation and deadline for Enzo Fernandez last Friday.
Manchester City, under Enzo Maresca, submitted no bid for Enzo Fernandez. This occurred despite Chelsea setting a 5pm deadline last Friday for clubs to meet their £120m valuation.
Rumours of a potential departure from Stamford Bridge circulated about Enzo Fernandez. However, Xabi Alonso claims the player told him he wants to stay at Chelsea this season.
Enzo is a Chelsea player. He’s a top, top player. He’s training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.
Fernandez returned to training with Chelsea after extended leave following the World Cup. Yet, some fans jeered him during a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad.
Chelsea now expects Fernandez to remain at the club until at least next summer. Still, Manchester City is expected to test Chelsea’s resolve before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea sources claim the club would now seek more than £120m for Fernandez, should City officially open talks. The transfer window deadline is 1 September; Fernandez could technically still be sold before it closes.
Separately, Chelsea reportedly made an offer for Bournemouth's Alex Scott which was rejected. The club will want a new midfielder if Fernandez departs.
Joao Pedro signed a new contract with Chelsea and took the No 9 shirt from Liam Delap. Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu are likely to leave Chelsea, while the club's Premier League opener is against Fulham on Monday.
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