Chelsea have approved the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City after the two clubs reached an agreement worth more than £125million.
One of the biggest transfers of the summer is now on the verge of completion after prolonged negotiations finally produced a breakthrough.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the move is now a “here we go”, with Chelsea approving the sale and Fernandez set to undergo his Manchester City medical.
The Argentina international had made the Etihad his preferred destination, with Sky Sports reporting earlier on deadline day that Fernandez had made clear he wanted to join Manchester City.
Chelsea finally approve Enzo Fernandez exit
The breakthrough represents the decisive progression in a transfer saga which accelerated dramatically over the closing stages of the window.
ReadChelsea reported earlier on Tuesday that Manchester City had submitted an offer worth more than £120million for Fernandez, with the midfielder prepared to undergo a medical if Chelsea gave their approval.
At that stage, the final decision remained with the Blues.
That obstacle has now been removed.
Romano reports that the eventual agreement is worth more than £125m following lengthy negotiations between Chelsea and Manchester City.
Fernandez only wanted the move to City and will now proceed to the medical stage before completing his switch.
Chelsea had been prepared to sell the midfielder for the right price, with Sky Sports confirming that direct club-to-club negotiations had opened.
Attention now turns towards how Chelsea replace one of the most important players in Xabi Alonso‘s midfield.
The Blues have accelerated their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with Sky Sports reporting that Chelsea are close to an agreement worth around £52m.
Koné is specifically being lined up as a replacement for Fernandez, while Jamie Gittens could move to Roma on loan as part of the wider negotiations.
Chelsea have also considered alternative midfield options during the closing stages of the window as they prepare for life without Fernandez.
But Fernandez’s own future is no longer dependent on Chelsea finding his replacement first.
The Blues have approved City’s offer, the midfielder has made his choice and a blockbuster £125m-plus transfer is now moving towards completion.
