Enzo Fernandez could still leave Chelsea as Man City interest remains

Enzo Fernandez could still leave Chelsea before the transfer deadline despite the club now preparing for the Argentina international to remain at Stamford Bridge this season.

Chelsea set interested clubs a 5pm deadline last Friday to submit offers as they sought clarity over Fernandez's future, but that passed without a written proposal arriving.

The Blues have valued the midfielder at £120m throughout the summer and currently plan to keep him for new manager Xabi Alonso's first season.

However, continued interest from Manchester City means the situation may not be completely closed.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly interested in reuniting with Fernandez at Manchester City.

City's midfield situation has also changed following their 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and an agreement to sell Rodri to Barcelona.

They are closing in on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, but have reportedly not abandoned their interest in Fernandez.

Real Madrid are no longer considered a potential destination after publicly denying earlier reports that they were pursuing the Argentina international.

Chelsea had informed interested clubs of the payment structure they were prepared to accept before Friday's deadline. Those terms have now been withdrawn, meaning any late bidder would need to reopen negotiations.

Chelsea sources have indicated that Fernandez is now expected to remain at Stamford Bridge and that another sale would not be considered until next summer at the earliest, also ruling out a January departure.

A sufficiently large Manchester City offer could still test that position.

Chelsea have consistently demanded £120m, but a late approach could potentially require more than that figure because Alonso's side would have limited time to find and sign a replacement.

Fernandez's situation has also attracted attention after sections of the Stamford Bridge support booed him during Chelsea's 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad.

Despite that reaction, Chelsea's current plan is for the midfielder to feature prominently under Alonso this season.

Manchester City's next move will determine whether the saga is genuinely over.

Chelsea intend to keep Fernandez and would require fresh negotiations for any late transfer. If City produce an offer close to or above the Blues' valuation, Chelsea would face a decision over whether to maintain their stance or accept a huge fee with little time remaining to replace him.