The potential transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea to Manchester City is drawing parallels to Alexander Isak's protracted move to Liverpool last summer, creating uncertainty for the London club. Chelsea had reportedly agreed with Fernandez's agent in late May that the player could leave for £120 million, with a deadline for bids set for August 14. Following the expiration of this deadline without formal offers, Chelsea informed Fernandez's camp that the player is not available for transfer during the current window.
However, Manchester City, managed by former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, remains interested in the 25-year-old Argentine and reportedly believes a deal is still possible. City are also in advanced negotiations for another midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi, as they seek to strengthen their squad following Rodri's agreed move to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva's departure upon contract expiry. This summer, Manchester City has already made several significant signings, including Elliot Anderson for a club-record fee of £116 million, winger Jeremy Monga for £12.5 million, and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli for £1.7 million. Should Fernandez and Bouaddi join, Maresca's total spending could exceed £330 million, partly funded by player sales and reduced wage bills from departures like Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake.
Reports from Spain suggest Chelsea remains privately open to selling Fernandez and has appointed high-profile agent Jorge Mendes to manage the situation. Fernandez's time at Chelsea has been complicated, with the midfielder previously attempting to secure a move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, a move the Spanish club later denied any interest in. His relationship with Chelsea supporters also appears strained, as evidenced by mixed crowd reactions when he entered the pitch during a recent friendly match against Real Sociedad. Despite this, Chelsea made a gesture of intent by giving Fernandez the captain's armband when he replaced Reece James, indicating confidence in his reintegration into the squad.
Nevertheless, doubt persists over Fernandez's long-term commitment, and concerns remain about the potential disruption a late transfer could cause, particularly if new manager Xabi Alonso wished to acquire a replacement. The echoes of the Isak transfer saga, where Newcastle United repeatedly stated the player was not for sale before he ultimately completed a British record move on deadline day, highlight the possibility of a similar outcome for Fernandez.