Manchester City in renewed talks for Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea omit him from squad

Manchester City remain in discussions to acquire Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez after he was omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the Carabao Cup tie with Luton. Chelsea are said to be holding out for a fee of around £120m, a sum that would make the player the club’s record signing, surpassing the £116m paid for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

The Blues left Fernandez out of the matchday roster despite manager Xabi Alonso’s expectation of his involvement, a decision Alonso explained as a result of collective and individual assessments. Fernandez, who featured off the bench in the Premier League opener at Fulham, received a mixed reception from supporters, being booed for his role in Argentina’s World Cup semi‑final win over England.

City are expected to return with a fresh offer, even though an informal deadline earlier in the month passed without a bid. The potential signing would add to a midfield overhaul that has already seen the departure of Pep Guardiola, Rodri and Bernardo Silva. City have already recouped roughly £165m from the sales of Rodri to Barcelona, Tijjani Reijnders to Al‑Qadsiah and Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle, and have added 18‑year‑old Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86m following Anderson’s arrival.

Chelsea have indicated willingness to revisit a deal with Bournemouth for midfielder Alex Scott should they agree to sell Fernandez, though Bournemouth has not shown interest yet. A bid in excess of £80m, possibly nearer £90m, could prompt a reconsideration. For further details on City’s pursuit, see the related report: Manchester City prepare opening bid for midfield target Enzo Fernandez.