Manchester City Target Enzo Fernández in Potential £120m Transfer Move

 Manchester City are reportedly preparing a fresh attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

The 25-year-old Argentina international has emerged as a major target for City manager Enzo Maresca, who is looking to rebuild his midfield following several significant departures during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are understood to value Fernández at around £120 million, a figure that would make the midfielder one of the most expensive players in Premier League history if City agree to meet the asking price.

City had previously been given a deadline to make an offer for Fernández but did not submit a bid before the cut-off. However, reports indicate that the club has maintained its interest and is now considering making a late approach before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Fernández's potential move has gained further attention following major changes to Manchester City's midfield. The club has lost several important players, including Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, while Nico González is also reportedly set to leave.

City have already spent heavily to rebuild the position, signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million and completing the signing of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Despite those additions, Maresca is reportedly keen to bring Fernández to the Etihad Stadium and sees the Argentine as an important part of his plans for City's new midfield.

Maresca is familiar with Fernández from his time at Chelsea, where he worked with the midfielder before leaving the club. The possibility of the pair being reunited at Manchester City has added another dimension to the transfer speculation.

Fernández joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a British-record fee of £106.8 million at the time. He quickly established himself as one of the club's key midfielders and has remained an important figure at Stamford Bridge.

His ability to operate in different midfield roles, combined with his passing range, work rate and experience at international level, has made him an attractive option for City as they reshape their squad.

The Argentine also played a major role in his country's success at international level, having been part of the team that won the 2022 World Cup.

Fernández's future at Chelsea has remained uncertain during the current transfer window. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has previously avoided guaranteeing that the midfielder will remain at the club, although Fernández remains a Chelsea player and there is currently no completed agreement with Manchester City.

Chelsea's position is also complicated by the need to find a suitable replacement before agreeing to sell one of their most important midfielders.

The London club is reportedly exploring several midfield options, meaning the availability of a replacement could play an important role in determining whether Fernández is allowed to leave.

Manchester City's interest comes during one of the busiest transfer windows in the club's recent history. The champions have been reshaping their squad following the departures of several players who played important roles during their successful era under Pep Guardiola.

The club's midfield has been particularly affected, prompting the recruitment of Anderson and Bouaddi while Fernández remains another potential addition.

If City eventually meet Chelsea's £120 million valuation, Fernández could become one of the biggest transfers of the summer and one of the most expensive Premier League signings ever.

However, there is still no agreement between the two clubs, meaning the reported move remains subject to negotiations and Chelsea's willingness to sanction the transfer.

With the transfer deadline approaching, attention will now focus on whether Manchester City make a formal offer and whether Chelsea can secure an adequate replacement in time.

For Fernández, a move to Manchester would represent another major chapter in his career and would reunite him with Maresca while giving City another high-profile midfielder for their new-look squad.

For Chelsea, losing the Argentine would represent a significant change to their midfield and potentially leave Alonso with little time to find a replacement.

The coming days are therefore expected to determine whether the reported £120 million move becomes one of the biggest transfers of the 2026 summer window or whether Fernández remains at Stamford Bridge.