Man City ready new Enzo Fernandez bid as Chelsea demand rises above £120m

Manchester City are expected to make another attempt to sign Enzo Fernandez, with the Chelsea midfielder reportedly open to joining Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea previously gave City until 5pm on August 13 to meet a £120million valuation. That deadline passed without an agreement, but discussions surrounding Fernandez have not disappeared.

With the transfer window entering its final days, City are now expected to return.

City have continued contact with Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, and reportedly know the 25-year-old is receptive to the transfer.

A reunion with Maresca could appeal to Fernandez after the pair developed a strong relationship during the Italian's spell in charge of Chelsea.

Fernandez remains under contract for another six years, meaning Chelsea are under no contractual pressure to sell.

That puts Xabi Alonso's side in a powerful negotiating position.

The biggest obstacle could be the price.

Chelsea's previous demand stood at £120m, but they are now expected to ask for more than that figure because there is increasingly little time to find a replacement before the window closes.

The Blues would also want to secure that replacement before allowing Fernandez to leave.

Asked about the Argentine following Chelsea's 3-2 victory at Fulham, Alonso refused to guarantee he would stay.

“In football, I am not surprised by anything. We will see.”

Fernandez played the final half-hour at Craven Cottage after Reece James and Romeo Lavia started in central midfield.

Manchester City's interest comes amid a significant midfield overhaul under Maresca.

City have already agreed a deal for Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Nico Gonzalez is in the process of completing a £50m move to Newcastle United.

Fernandez would represent a considerably bigger addition and could become one of the defining transfers of the final week.

Representatives around alternative midfield targets reportedly expect City to make their move for Fernandez first before deciding whether to pursue other options.

Manchester City must now decide how far they are prepared to go financially.

Chelsea hold considerable leverage because Fernandez has six years remaining on his contract, while the approaching deadline makes finding a replacement increasingly difficult. City therefore face the prospect of having to exceed the previous £120m valuation to get their priority midfield deal done.

With Fernandez open to the switch and contact continuing behind the scenes, the next City offer could determine whether this develops into one of the biggest transfers of the summer.

Should Manchester City pay more than £120m to reunite Enzo Fernandez with Enzo Maresca?