Manchester City expect to complete a deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez this week, according to a report.
Argentina midfielder Fernandez has repeatedly been linked with City, who are managed by former Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
The Italian’s new side missed a deadline of August 14 to meet Chelsea’s £120 million asking price for the 25-year-old.
Fernandez, who was exiled by Chelsea for two matches last season because of comments he made fuelling speculation that he would join Real Madrid, is “pushing” for a move his suitors could conclude well in advance of the transfer deadline on Monday night, Gianluca Di Marzio has said.
Enzo Fernandez transfer: Man City ‘to sell Gonzalez’
The transfer journalist added that Chelsea are still seeking £120m for Fernandez and was one of numerous sources to report that City are on the verge of selling midfielder Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle.
Barcelona youth product Gonzalez joined City from Porto for £50 million under former Cityzens manager Pep Guardiola in February 2025 and made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, although the 24-year-old only started two Premier League matches after January 7.
Gonzalez made a brief appearance in City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield but was an unused substitute in their league opener on Sunday, when Maresca oversaw a late comeback win at home to Bournemouth in his first top-flight match in charge.
What has Enzo Fernandez said about Maresca?
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea for a then-British record £107 million fee from Benfica in January 2023, said in March that the end of Maresca’s 18-month reign in January had “hurt” Chelsea.
Speaking after Chelsea’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain in March, Fernandez acknowledged that he did not know whether he would be at Stamford Bridge this season.
Despite sanctioning Fernandez, Chelsea’s head coach at the time, Liam Rosenior, claimed the vice-captain was “fully committed to this group and to winning here at this football club.”
When does the summer transfer window 2026 close?
The window opened on Monday June 15 and will shut on Tuesday September 1.
After that, every Premier League club can register a squad of up to 25 players, 17 of whom are allowed to be non-Home Grown Players.
A Home Grown Player has been registered with any club affiliated to the English or Welsh Football Association for three entire seasons or 36 months across their career before his 21st birthday, or the end of the season during which they turn 21.
Under-21 players do not count towards the 25-man limit.
What time does the Premier League transfer window shut on transfer deadline day?
The deadline is 23:00 BST in the Premier League, but clubs can have an extra two hours to file the remaining documentation if they submit a deal sheet confirming that an agreement has been reached.
The deal sheet must arrive fully completed before the transfer window closes.
For international transfers, clubs also have to comply with the FIFA Transfer Matching System deadline of midnight.
