Chelsea transfer news: Manchester City 'expect' to finalise Enzo Fernandez deal despite Blues price hike

By Darren Plant | 24 Aug 2026 17:32

Man City 'expect' to finalise Fernandez transfer despite Chelsea's price hike

Manchester City are reportedly expecting to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this week.

Although Enzo Maresca won his first City match on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, it came with the club becoming depleted of midfielders.

Nico Gonzalez has become the latest to be linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard likely to join Newcastle United over the coming days.

However, Ayyoub Bouaddi is closing in on a big-money transfer to Man City, and the door remains ajar for a deal for Fernandez.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Man City chiefs are growing in confidence that a deal can be finalised.

What is Enzo Fernandez's new asking price?

The report alleges that Chelsea are looking to recoup €140m (£119.8m) for Fernandez.

With that figure technically lower than the £120m that Chelsea were keen to receive earlier in the month, it is unclear whether a deal will be structured differently.

Nevertheless, Fernandez is said to be pushing to reunite with Maresca, something that may put his participation in Chelsea's West London derby with Fulham on Monday night in some doubt.

Man City also expect to complete a deal this week, despite the lack of encouragement that they are receiving from Chelsea.

Much may become clearer later on Monday once Chelsea have announced their team news for the fixture at Craven Cottage.

Who could Chelsea sign as Fernandez's replacement?

Xabi Alonso also has Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, Valentin Barco and Dario Essugo as his other central midfield options.

That said, Essugo has been made available for loan, and the likes of James and Barco are viewed as options for other positions.

Chelsea have not been linked with a new central midfielder for a number of days, while Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton - a previous target - has been told he is staying put at Selhurst Park.