Chelsea have told clubs interested in Enzo Fernandez that they must submit offers of at least £120m by 17:00 BST on Friday, as they seek to resolve the midfielder’s uncertain future before the new season begins.
Fernandez, the Argentina international, has been linked with a possible departure from Stamford Bridge since March. The 25-year-old first raised the prospect of moving to Real Madrid around that time, but the Spanish club have since said they have “no intention” of signing him.
The uncertainty followed a difficult campaign for Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League and ended the season without a trophy after losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City. Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, publicly claimed the player was underpaid and wanted to leave.
Manchester City are the only other club currently known to have shown potential interest in Fernandez. Their new manager, Enzo Maresca, left Chelsea midway through last season.
However, it is not clear whether Manchester City would be prepared to meet Chelsea’s valuation. The Etihad club are also understood to be pursuing Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, the Morocco international.
Chelsea signed Fernandez from Benfica for £107m in 2023 but are expected to stand firm on their £120m asking price. The club have set the Friday deadline to bring an end to the drawn-out speculation and believe interested parties have had about 60 days to negotiate a transfer at what they consider a fair price.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken with Fernandez about his future, although he has chosen not to reveal what was discussed.
Despite setting a deadline for offers, Chelsea are understood to have made it clear that Fernandez remains welcome at the club. They are willing to reintegrate him fully into the squad and continue to regard him as a key player.
Fernandez made 54 appearances for Chelsea last season, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists. He subsequently helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, where he was sent off as his side lost 1-0 to Spain.
The midfielder returned to Chelsea training this week, marking his first sessions under Alonso.
Chelsea’s decision comes as they attempt to settle the squad ahead of the start of the season. If no club meets the £120m deadline, Fernandez is expected to remain part of Alonso’s plans, although the possibility of a late agreement will depend on whether an interested side is willing to meet the club’s conditions by Friday afternoon.