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Maresca on Fernández transfer deadline
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The gist
Chelsea set a 5pm Friday deadline for Manchester City to bid £120m for Enzo Fernández. Maresca says City won't meet it, leaving Fernández's future uncertain.
Background
Chelsea have set a deadline of 5pm on Friday for Manchester City to make an offer for midfielder Enzo Fernández, who is valued at £120m. The deadline was imposed to avoid distractions and allow new manager Xabi Alonso to focus on the season. City's interest stems from manager Enzo Maresca's strong relationship with Fernández from their time together at Chelsea.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026Chelsea set a 5pm Friday deadline for Manchester City to bid £120m for Enzo Fernández.
- Aug 13, 2026Reports confirm Chelsea's deadline and valuation, with City interested but no bid made.
- Aug 14, 2026Maresca says City will not meet the deadline, but he wants to continue spending this summer.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Chelsea says if the £120m valuation is not met by the deadline, Fernández will not leave the club.
- Analysts
- City are considering Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi as midfield reinforcements, with Rodri's future uncertain.
- Caution
- Relations between City and Chelsea are strained after Maresca's acrimonious departure, complicating negotiations.
Still unverified
Doubts over Fernández's temperament persist after his red card in the World Cup final, but this is not confirmed as a factor in the transfer.