DEADLINE DAY: Man City agree £137m Fernandez deal as Chelsea target Zubimendi as replacement
Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez in a potential Premier League-record transfer worth £137 million, according to SunSport.
The Argentina international is now waiting for the move to be finalised, with a medical expected to take place once the clubs complete the remaining formalities.
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Fernandez could reunite with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad after the former Chelsea manager succeeded Pep Guardiola as Manchester City boss.
Chelsea prepare for Fernandez departure
Chelsea left Fernandez out of their squad for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton as negotiations over his future intensified.
Manager Xabi Alonso refused to confirm whether the midfielder had played his final game for the club but admitted Chelsea were preparing for different scenarios.
“We’ll see,” Alonso said when asked about Fernandez.
“We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”
Reports suggest Chelsea had rejected City’s initial proposal while seeking more favourable payment terms before agreeing to the reported £137m package.
The Blues also want to ensure they can bring in a replacement before sanctioning Fernandez’s departure.
Zubimendi among Chelsea targets
Chelsea have drawn up a shortlist of potential midfield replacements, with Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi reportedly emerging the most suitable option after the Blues saw offers for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Kone rejected.
The London club are also considering other alternatives as they attempt to avoid weakening their squad after potentially losing one of their most important midfielders.
Fernandez’s proposed reunion with Maresca adds another layer to the transfer, given the midfielder’s previous relationship with the Italian coach.
The pair worked together at Chelsea before Maresca’s departure earlier this year.
Fernandez previously praised Maresca’s approach after his dismissal, telling Mexican broadcaster TUDN: “We had an identity. He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad.”
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Benfica for a British-record £107m in January 2023 and has since become a key figure at Stamford Bridge.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Chelsea now face a race against time to complete Fernandez’s exit and secure a suitable replacement.