2026-08-13 09:01:09
Enzo Fernandez has been given a Friday deadline to discover whether his Chelsea future lies at Stamford Bridge or elsewhere – with the club demanding at least £120 million for their Argentina midfielder.
The 25-year-old has faced uncertainty over his future since March and Chelsea have now told interested clubs they must submit an acceptable offer by 5pm on 14 August, according to BBC Sport.
Manchester City are said to be the only known potential suitors after Real Madrid ruled themselves out of a move, while Chelsea are apparently prepared to reintegrate Enzo fully into Xabi Alonso’s squad if their valuation is not met.
Real had previously reportedly been linked with Enzo after the midfielder raised the possibility of moving to Madrid earlier this year, but the Spanish club have since said they have “no intention” of signing him.
That has left Manchester City as the club most strongly linked with a move for the Argentina international, with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca now in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
City’s interest comes amid uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future, with Barcelona making an improved bid worth about £51 million for the Spain midfielder.
City have been looking at Fernandez as a possible replacement, while Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been among their targets.
Chelsea intend to stand firm over their £120 million valuation despite paying a then-British record £107 million to sign Enzo from Benfica in January 2023.
The midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge weeks after becoming one of the stars of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
He was named the tournament’s best young player after helping Lionel Scaloni’s side defeat France in the final and subsequently became one of the most expensive players in football history when Chelsea triggered his Benfica release clause.
His future has nevertheless become the subject of renewed transfer speculation this summer.
Chelsea have communicated their £120 million valuation to City and Enzo’s representatives, with the figure having been made clear to his camp since May.
The Friday deadline is designed to settle the situation before Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham on 24 August, giving Alonso the opportunity to work with a settled squad before the competitive season begins.
Xabi Alonso is said to have has spoken to Enzo about his future but has reportedly declined to disclose details of their conversation.
Chelsea have made clear that they are prepared to keep the midfielder and continue using him as a key member of the first team if no acceptable offer arrives.
Enzo returned to Chelsea training this week following an extended break after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final.
The midfielder had again been a central figure for Argentina during the tournament in North America as the defending champions attempted to retain the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier.
Argentina reached the final against Spain but were beaten 1-0, with Enzo sent off during the defeat. Spain’s victory prevented Argentina from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men’s World Cup.
His performances for Chelsea before the tournament had also underlined his importance to the club. Enzo played a significant role in Chelsea’s recent successes, including their Europa Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs, while establishing himself as one of the central figures in their midfield.
The Argentina international scored 15 goals and supplied seven assists in 54 appearances for Chelsea last season before joining his country for the World Cup.
Manchester City must now decide whether to meet Chelsea’s valuation before Friday evening. Chelsea have communicated that if the £120 million figure is not met by the deadline, Enzo will remain at Stamford Bridge for the new season.
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