Chelsea are prepared to let Enzo Fernandez leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but only if Manchester City meet their substantial asking price, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano has revealed that City have already held talks with Fernandez’s agent, signalling serious intent to bring the Argentine midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea have set a £120m price tag on the 25-year-old and are under no pressure to sell, remaining fully prepared to keep him if City balk at that figure.
The Blues missed out on European qualification entirely last season, though Fernandez was one of their standout performers throughout a difficult campaign.
The Argentine contributed ten goals and four assists across 36 Premier League appearances, demonstrating his value as one of the division’s most complete central midfielders.
Chelsea captain Reece James had lavished praise on Fernandez in the summer of 2025, describing him as “phenomenal” and adding: “Enzo Fernandez is an amazing player and person. He’s come on so much since he arrived at Chelsea, and he’s a huge part of Chelsea Football Club. He’s a huge player for our team.”
At the Club World Cup, Fernandez received a red card against Spain in the final, but he otherwise performed at a high level, scoring two goals and averaging 65.2 accurate passes per 90 minutes.
For context, only three City players averaged more passes per 90 than that in the Premier League last season, with Nico Gonzalez posting 68.3, Ruben Dias 68.5, and Rodri leading the way at 86.7.
Rodri’s own future at City is now far from certain, with the Spanish midfielder attracting major interest from Barcelona, which has intensified the club’s search for midfield reinforcements.
Romano has confirmed that City manager Enzo Maresca “would love to reunite” with Fernandez, having worked closely with the player during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has played in two World Cup finals during his career and found the net on 15 occasions for Chelsea in all competitions last season, underlining his attacking output from midfield.
City have also signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m as they look to reshape their midfield, with the former Forest man averaging 55.0 accurate passes per 90 in the Premier League last season.
Amid the ongoing uncertainty over Rodri’s future, City have additionally been pursuing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with direct talks reported to have already taken place.
Whether City will match Chelsea’s £120m valuation for Fernandez remains to be seen, but the transfer battle for one of the Premier League’s top midfielders is clearly heating up fast.