Chelsea have told Manchester City they must submit a £120m offer for Enzo Fernandez by 17:00 BST on Friday if they want to sign the Argentina midfielder.
The position means Fernandez will remain at Chelsea for the 2026-27 season unless Manchester City make an offer worth the required amount before the deadline.
Fernandez has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City in recent days. Several reports have suggested Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca wants the 25-year-old midfielder to join his squad.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have delivered a firm response to Manchester City’s interest. The London club is prepared to consider Fernandez’s departure only if the Premier League champions of the required level a proposal worth £120m, which is approximately €140m arrives by 17:00 on Friday.
No such offer has been reported as having been accepted, and Chelsea’s position is clear: if Manchester City do not meet the valuation within the stated timeframe, Fernandez is expected to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international’s future has therefore become the focus of attention as both clubs consider their next steps. Manchester City have until Friday afternoon to provide the proposal demanded by Chelsea, while Fernandez’s continuation at the club remains the expected outcome if that deadline passes without the required bid.
Chelsea’s first match of the 2026-27 season is scheduled for 24 August, when they will face Fulham. Fernandez would remain part of Chelsea’s plans for that campaign unless Manchester City’s offer changes the situation before then.
The reports linking the midfielder with Manchester City have emerged in recent days, with Maresca identified as wanting Fernandez in his team. Chelsea’s financial requirement, as reported by The Athletic, has now placed a precise figure and deadline on any potential deal.
The £120m valuation is equivalent to approximately €140m. Unless Manchester City submit an offer matching it by 17:00 on Friday, the 25-year-old will stay with Chelsea for the 2026-27 season.