Chelsea demand enormous transfer fee for midfielder admired by Premier League rivals

Manchester City continue to admire Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but any attempt to take the Argentina international away from Stamford Bridge would require an enormous financial commitment.

Fernandez has been linked with several major clubs during a turbulent summer, yet Chelsea remain in a strong negotiating position.

The 25-year-old is contracted until 2032 and, despite speculation over his future, the Blues have shown no willingness to reduce the £120 million valuation they established earlier in the window.

City’s interest is particularly intriguing because manager Enzo Maresca knows Fernandez extremely well from their time together at Chelsea and has long appreciated his technical qualities.

Man City continue to admire Chelsea midfielder

According to Ben Jacobs, Fernandez remains among the Chelsea players attracting Manchester City interest as Maresca considers further changes to his squad.

Chelsea’s position, however, remains clear: they would require around £120m before seriously considering a sale.

That valuation was first reported in May, when talkSPORT revealed Chelsea wanted a club-record fee for the midfielder. Despite months of transfer speculation, no serious bidder has yet convinced the Blues to change their stance.

City are also pursuing other midfield options. The Guardian reports that talks for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi are progressing, with a deal potentially worth around £85m.

City have already spent £116m on Elliot Anderson as they reshape the midfield under Maresca.

Blues demand £120m for Enzo Fernandez

He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, can dictate possession from deeper areas and already understands Maresca’s positional approach.

Their previous relationship would also reduce some of the uncertainty that normally accompanies such an expensive transfer.

But £120m is difficult to justify when City are already investing heavily elsewhere.

Bouaddi offers greater long-term upside at 18, while Anderson provides another high-level option immediately. If both are part of Maresca’s midfield rebuild, committing another nine-figure sum to Fernandez would be excessive.

Chelsea also have no obvious reason to compromise. Fernandez remains a first-team player, is tied to a lengthy contract and would be joining a direct Premier League rival.