Manchester City Targets Enzo Fernandez In Major Midfield Overhaul

Manchester City is pursuing a 120-million-pound transfer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez during the summer transfer window to rebuild its midfield following the departures of key players, according to ESPN and local reports.

The Premier League champions are restructuring their midfield core after selling Rodri to Barcelona for 75 million euros and Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for 61 million euros. The club previously signed 23-year-old Elliot Anderson for 116 million pounds.

Chelsea has set a firm valuation of 120 million pounds, equivalent to 140 million euros, for the 25-year-old Argentine international. Although Manchester City missed an initial August 14 deadline set by Chelsea, the club continues to evaluate a potential deal before the transfer window closes.

Fernandez remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032 after joining from Benfica for 120 million euros in January 2023. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the midfielder is preparing for the team's Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24.

"Enzo is a Chelsea player. He is a great player. He has been training very well since he returned ten days ago with the team.

He is very integrated and we are very happy with him. He is preparing for Monday," said Xabi Alonso, Chelsea Manager.

Chelsea holds a firm stance on receiving its full valuation for Fernandez, who previously expressed a desire to reunite with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca after an earlier attempt to join Real Madrid stalled.

Alongside their interest in Fernandez, Manchester City secured an 86-million-pound deal for 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The agreement includes 95 million euros upfront with 5 million euros in add-ons, tying the Moroccan international to the club until 2031 with an option for an additional year.