Chelsea sets Friday deadline for £120 million offers for Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea have given interested clubs until Friday to submit proposals of £120 million or more to sign Enzo Fernandez, the Argentina international, 25. The club has fixed the fee at £120 million ($162 million) ahead of the deadline.

Fernandez has been unsettled over his future since March after he publicly raised the prospect of a move to Real Madrid and later said he “did not know” whether he would remain with the Blues following the FIFA World Cup 2026. His representative, Javier Pastore, said the player was underpaid and wished to depart after a difficult season in which Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League and went without a trophy following an FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Several prominent European clubs have monitored Fernandez’s situation, with Bayern Munich among those keeping an eye on the midfielder. Pursuit of the Argentina international has been complicated by Chelsea’s £120 million valuation and Manchester City’s strong interest. Bayern have investigated or watched his availability, but there have been no formal or advanced discussions between Bayern and Chelsea about a concrete proposal.

Fernandez was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid last season and has said he would love to live in Madrid, which fuelled speculation. Los Blancos have not so far made any move for the former Benfica midfielder. It remains to be seen whether the Spanish club could push for a transfer before the deadline day as Chelsea have already set their price.

Manchester City have emerged as serious contenders. The Cityzens have contacted Fernandez’s camp about a potential transfer to the Etihad Stadium, and manager Enzo Maresca said he “would love” to see a reunion with the player. While Maresca is thought to favour bringing Fernandez back, the transfer is dependent on price: Chelsea “insist” on selling Fernández for £120 million ($162 million) and City “hope to negotiate,” but the Blues are unlikely to compromise for anything less than their asking figure.

The Friday deadline will be the point by which Chelsea expect proposals of £120 million or more, leaving Manchester City and other interested parties a limited window to submit offers. Whether any club will meet Chelsea’s valuation before the deadline remains to be seen.