Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez.
The Cityzens have been pursuing Fernandez throughout the summer and new manager Enzo Maresca has been keen to reunite with his former midfielder. The clubs have held discussions in recent weeks but a fee hadn't been agreed up until deadline day.
Fernandez has been open to joining City and his stance over a move has caused a rift between himself and the Stamford Bridge fanbase. It now looks as though the Argentina international will be headed to the Etihad before the transfer window closes at 11PM UK tonight.
Man City Set to Sign Enzo Fernandez
According to French outlet L'Equipe, City and Chelsea have agreed on a €140 million (£120m) deal. A verbal agreement was reached on Tuesday but the price doesn't include add-ons.
Should Fernandez join Maresca at the Etihad, he'll become his third big-money signing. Elliot Anderson arrived from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer in an £116m deal while Moroccan youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi joined him in the North East from LOSC Lille for £86m.
Fernandez has become one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the Premier League since joining Chelsea from Benfica in early 2023. He thrived under Maresca during their time together in West London, posting 15 goals and 19 assists in 79 games.
Why Enzo Maresca Wants 'Leader' Enzo Fernandez
Maresca previously championed Fernandez's leadership qualities along with his ability during his reign at Chelsea. The Italian handed him the captain's armband in the absence of Reece James and made clear how highly he rates the Argentine.
Speaking back in February 2025, he said (via Chelsea's official website):
"He behaved as a leader and he is doing top, fantastic. For sure Enzo has taken a step forward in that sense. He is showing how good a leader he is, how good he is on the ball, how good he is off the ball."
When Fernandez arrived at Chelsea, he'd just come off the back of a breakout World Cup campaign with Argentina. He played a crucial role in their triumph in Qatar, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
While he didn't make the best of starts at Stamford Bridge, he eventually developed into one of the best all-round midfielders in the top-flight. He starred for the Blues in their Conference League and Club World Cup wins under Maresca.
City have been undergoing a midfield rebuild following Rodri's departure. Replacing the Spaniard is a nigh on impossible task but Maresca is set to be backed with three midfielders who possess different qualities.
When Enzo Fernandez Could Make Man City Debut
If Fernandez does complete a move to City before the transfer window closes, he'll likely be registered in time for this Saturday's encounter with Coventry City. The Etihad plays host to the newly-promoted side of whom are coached by the Argentine's former manager Frank Lampard.
Fernandez sat out Chelsea's 2-0 win over Luton Town in the Carabao Cup last week and Sunday's 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Xabi Alonso opted not to use him amid speculation linking him with a late exit.
