Chelsea are prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for the right price before the summer transfer window closes, according to Sky Sports.
City’s interest in the Argentina international remains active despite their failure to meet an earlier Chelsea deadline to make an offer.
However, there is an important distinction in the latest update: there are not believed to have been club-to-club talks between Chelsea and Manchester City yet.
Chelsea would also want to strengthen Xabi Alonso’s squad before allowing Fernandez to leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea open to Enzo Fernandez sale
The latest report represents a significant clarification of Chelsea’s stance.
ReadChelsea previously reported that Manchester City were considering a late £120million move for Fernandez.
Sky Sports now reports that Chelsea would be prepared to sell the midfielder for the right price, provided they can improve Alonso’s squad before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Chelsea had previously agreed with Fernandez’s representatives that he could leave for £120m if City made an offer by 14 August.
That deadline passed without a bid.
City’s interest has nevertheless continued, with their midfield undergoing major changes this summer.
Rodri has joined Barcelona and Nico Gonzalez has moved to Newcastle, while City have already spent heavily to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
Crucially, Sky says there have not yet been formal club-to-club talks over Fernandez.
That means the situation remains short of the formal-bid stage.
Chelsea consider midfield replacements
Chelsea are already assessing potential midfield options should Fernandez leave.
Sky names Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton among the players under consideration.
Both Bournemouth and Palace currently regard their midfielders as unavailable, which complicates Chelsea’s position.
That helps explain why Chelsea are not simply looking at Fernandez’s potential fee in isolation.
Alonso would need his squad sufficiently strengthened before sanctioning the departure of one of Chelsea’s most important midfielders.
Fernandez was absent from Thursday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Luton, but Alonso has denied reports that the midfielder asked not to play.
The Chelsea head coach said the omission was a decision made by himself and the club rather than a consequence of transfer negotiations.
Whether City now turn their interest into a formal offer is the next major stage to watch.
