Despite missing Chelsea’s previous Friday, August 14, 5pm deadline with a £120 million price tag, Manchester City are reportedly poised to make a late move for Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea are still open to selling the midfielder should their £120m valuation be met, and the club be able to find a suitable replacement.
Manchester City are expected to approach Chelsea once again during the final week of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Busy summer already for the Cityzens
Should they acquire him, he will be the latest transfer in what has been a very busy window for the Cityzens.
Manchester City have already completed the sales of Savinho (Tottenham), Rodri (Barcelona), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid), and Tijjani Reijnders (Al-Qadsiah).
Omar Marmoush is also set to leave for Tottenham, while Nico González has been targeted by Newcastle.
Man City’s statement signing has been Elliot Anderson, who broke the record for the most expensive British player transfer at £116m, which has since been broken by Chelsea’s £117m for Morgan Rogers.
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Reunion with former Chelsea boss Maresca
Should Fernandez make the switch to Man City, he will be reunited with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who now has the reins following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
The Argentina international came on as a substitute during Chelsea’s season-opening 3-2 win against Fulham, where he was met with a mix of jeers and cheers at the Craven Cottage.
However, that might have been one of his final games for the West London club.
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Potential replacement already identified
Replacing the young Argentine will not be easy, with Fernandez emerging as an integral part of Chelsea’s team over the years.
A previous target has emerged as a potential replacement should Fernandez join Man City – Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
The Cherries have reportedly turned down any interest. However, a fee of £80m, and probably closer to £90m, would reportedly make the club consider a sale.
Scott has had a strong 2025/26 season, with clubs like Liverpool also interested. However, the Reds are not expected to make a move for the 23-year-old as they have other areas as priorities this window.
Whether Chelsea make an official approach to sign the Bournemouth midfielder is yet to be seen, but with the transfer deadline looming, and Enzo Maresca gunning for a reunion with Enzo Fernandez, things could change fast.
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