Chelsea have opened direct talks with Manchester City over a potential £120million transfer for Enzo Fernandez as one of the biggest deals of the summer moves into a decisive stage.
City’s interest in Fernandez has been building throughout the final weeks of the window, but discussions have now finally reached club level.
Sky Sports reports that Manchester City have opened direct club-to-club talks with Chelsea, with the Blues prepared to sanction a sale for the right price if they can strengthen Xabi Alonso’s squad before the deadline.
Man City open Enzo Fernandez talks with Chelsea
The development represents significant progression from City’s previous position.
ReadChelsea reported on Sunday that Fernandez had agreed personal terms with Manchester City while Chelsea waited for a formal approach.
That wait is now over.
Sky says Chelsea had previously agreed with Fernandez’s representatives that the midfielder could leave for £120m if an offer arrived by August 14, although City missed that deadline. Their interest has nevertheless remained active.
Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s victories over Luton and Brighton as speculation surrounding his future intensified.
City’s need for another midfielder has also grown following the departures of Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva.
Chelsea have meanwhile changed their own midfield plans, with Manu Kone emerging as the club’s new priority after the Lamine Camara move stalled.
There is no agreement between Chelsea and City yet.
But for the first time, the clubs are now directly discussing what could become one of the biggest transfers of the window.
