Manchester City are preparing to make a formal offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after the Argentina international indicated he is open to joining the club, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Fernandez has become increasingly receptive to the possibility of moving to Manchester City, with the Premier League club now among his leading options during the current transfer window. The midfielder is also wanted by manager Enzo Maresca, who is keen for him to join the project at the English club.
Manchester City’s next step is expected to be an official approach to Chelsea. Until now, the club’s interest has been limited to contacts and negotiations, but it is now preparing to move into a more advanced phase of discussions by submitting a formal bid.
Chelsea’s position remains firm. The club wants to receive what it considers an appropriate financial package before agreeing to Fernandez’s departure. Chelsea also want to ensure they have sufficient time and resources to find a replacement for the Argentina midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea previously placed a £120m valuation on Fernandez, a figure that remains the main obstacle in Manchester City’s attempts to complete the deal. The size of the fee is expected to be central to any formal negotiations between the two clubs.
City’s renewed movement comes despite the club failing to submit an offer by a deadline previously set by Chelsea. The Premier League champions maintained their interest after that date passed and are now looking to resume their pursuit as the end of the transfer window approaches.
Fernandez is therefore at the centre of a potentially significant transfer, with Manchester City ready to turn their interest into a concrete proposal and Chelsea continuing to demand substantial compensation for a player they regard as valuable to their squad.
The midfielder’s willingness to consider the move has helped create the conditions for talks to progress, although no agreement has yet been reached between the clubs. Manchester City must still meet Chelsea’s financial expectations, while Chelsea must decide whether any offer would provide the necessary funds and time to secure an adequate replacement.
For now, the proposed transfer remains dependent on the formal bid that Manchester City are preparing. If it is submitted, Chelsea’s response will determine whether negotiations develop into a deal or whether Fernandez remains at the club beyond the close of the current transfer window.
