EPL: Man City target Fernandez in £120m transfer move - Reports

Manchester City is reportedly preparing to test Chelsea's resolve with a fresh bid for midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the transfer window closes. Manager Enzo Maresca has identified the Argentina international as a priority target to bolster his midfield after several key players have departed.

Chelsea has placed a £120 million valuation on Fernandez, though the club's stance on a potential sale hinges on their ability to secure a suitable replacement. Despite an earlier deadline set by Chelsea for offers, City, who did not bid by that date, are understood to be continuing their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

If City meets Chelsea's valuation, Fernandez could become one of the most expensive players in Premier League history. He joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British-record fee of £106.8 million. A move to the Etihad would reunite him with Maresca, who previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea and is keen to add him to City's midfield.

City's interest intensified following significant midfield changes, including the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, with Nico Gonzalez also expected to leave. The club has already moved to reinforce the position by signing Elliot Anderson and pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi. Fernandez is reportedly open to a move to Manchester, with personal terms not expected to be a major hurdle. However, Chelsea's success in finding a replacement will be crucial in determining the transfer's outcome before the window shuts.

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has previously refused to guarantee that Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge, saying the midfielder is currently a Chelsea player while leaving the door open to developments in the transfer market.