Enzo Fernandez transfer: Chelsea set price as Man City circle Argentine star
Synopsis
Chelsea are willing to let Enzo Fernandez go — but only at their price. With Manchester City's midfield stripped bare by the departures of Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, and Reijnders, and Fernandez already frozen out of a Carabao Cup night, the stage is set for one of the window's most consequential late deals.
Key Takeaways
Chelsea are prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez but insist on receiving the right valuation for the midfielder.
Manchester City are the primary interested party, seeking midfield cover after losing Rodri , Nico Gonzalez , and Tijjani Reijnders .
Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's Carabao Cup win over Luton on 28 August , fuelling transfer talk.
Manager Xabi Alonso denied the omission was transfer-related, saying it was purely a team selection call.
Fernandez has made 169 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists since joining for £107 million in January 2023 .
City are said to have missed Chelsea's transfer deadline, leaving the deal's outcome uncertain.
Chelsea are reportedly willing to part with midfielder Enzo Fernandez should they receive an acceptable offer, with Premier League rivals Manchester City understood to be the primary suitors for the Argentine international. The transfer speculation has intensified after Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's Carabao Cup victory over Luton on Thursday night.
Chelsea's Stance on the Transfer
According to reports, Chelsea are open to selling Fernandez but only at the right valuation. The club have not publicly disclosed a figure, but sources indicate they will not accept below market rate for a player signed for a club-record £107 million from Benfica in January 2023. Fernandez's agent had confirmed earlier this year that the midfielder was exploring options away from Stamford Bridge.
What Manager Xabi Alonso Said
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso moved swiftly to distance the omission from transfer speculation. 'We assess individually and collectively what is best for the team for tonight, what is better for other players that were playing,' he told reporters before kick-off. 'It was our decision, from myself and from the club.'
Alonso was equally firm in ruling out any transfer-related motive. 'No, it was just because of the game today. We have other players that need minutes. It was that way. It's a decision that I made,' he added. On whether Fernandez would feature against Brighton on Sunday, Alonso said: 'He's a good professional. He's training well. I have nothing to say about him... We will see on Sunday.'
Why City Are in the Market
Manchester City's interest in Fernandez is driven by a midfield overhaul following a series of high-profile departures. Rodri left for Barcelona earlier this month, while Nico Gonzalez joined Newcastle and Tijjani Reijnders moved to Al Qadsiah. City did sign midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille this week, but are reportedly still seeking further reinforcement. Notably, City are said to have missed a deadline Chelsea set for the deal, adding uncertainty to whether a move can be concluded.
Fernandez's Difficult Season at Chelsea
The 28 August developments come against a complicated backdrop for Fernandez at the club. He was reportedly booed by a section of Chelsea supporters during a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge — a match Chelsea won 3-1. The hostility stemmed from an incident at the end of last season when Fernandez expressed admiration for Real Madrid while on international duty, which resulted in an internal two-match suspension.
Despite the turbulence, his record at Stamford Bridge remains substantial: across 169 appearances in all competitions, the Argentine has contributed 31 goals and 29 assists.
What Happens Next
The transfer window remains open, and Chelsea's willingness to sell hinges entirely on price. With City's midfield depth stretched and Chelsea's apparent openness to a deal, the coming days could prove decisive for Fernandez's future at the club.
Point of View
Omit the player from a cup night, and watch the price rise. But the risk is real — Fernandez's relationship with the Stamford Bridge faithful is already frayed after the Real Madrid episode, and a prolonged will-he-won't-he saga rarely benefits either club or player. For City, the urgency is genuine: losing Rodri, Gonzalez, and Reijnders in the same window is not a reshuffle, it is a structural crisis. Bouaddi from Lille is a bet on potential, not a like-for-like fix. Whether Chelsea's asking price and City's desperation meet in the middle will define both clubs' midfield outlook for the season.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enzo Fernandez leaving Chelsea for Manchester City?
Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Enzo Fernandez if they receive the right offer, with Manchester City understood to be the main interested club. However, City are said to have missed a deadline set by Chelsea, leaving the transfer outcome uncertain as of 28 August.
Why was Enzo Fernandez left out of Chelsea's Carabao Cup match?
Manager Xabi Alonso said the omission was purely a team selection decision, with other players needing minutes. He explicitly denied it had anything to do with transfer speculation surrounding Fernandez.
How much did Chelsea pay for Enzo Fernandez?
Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023 for £107 million, making him one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history at the time.
Why are Manchester City interested in Enzo Fernandez?
Manchester City have lost several key midfielders this transfer window — Rodri departed for Barcelona, Nico Gonzalez joined Newcastle, and Tijjani Reijnders moved to Al Qadsiah. Fernandez is seen as a high-quality option to address that depth shortage.
What is Enzo Fernandez's record at Chelsea?
Fernandez has made 169 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions since joining in January 2023, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists.
