Enzo Fernandez has got his wish and is headed to Manchester City from Chelsea in the biggest deadline day deal.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Fernandez is joining City in an £125 million deal, slightly more than the previously reported £120m. The Argentine had indicated a desire to reunite with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad having played under the Italian at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has been omitted from Chelsea's last two games amid speculation linking him with a late transfer. He's set to become the Cityzens' club record signing, eclipsing the £116m fee they paid for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.
Man City Agree Enzo Fernandez Deal
Fernandez has been given permission to undergo a medical with City to complete his move to the Etihad. He leaves Chelsea after spending 44 months in west London and is the final piece of the puzzle for Maresca's midfield rebuild.
The 25-year-old had become one of the Blues' most important players during his time at Stamford Bridge. He appeared 170 times across competitions, registering 31 goals and 30 assists, winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Speculation over Fernandez's future took hold as soon as Maresca succeeded Pep Guardiola at City. The pair grew close during their time together in the English capital and will now be reunited in the North West.
Chelsea's Hunt For a Replacement
With Fernandez now set to leave the club, Chelsea are already in the process of replacing him. They had set their sights on AS Monaco's Lamine Camara but he is expected to remain at the French outfit.
AS Roma's Manu Kone also emerged as a potential option but The Guardian reports that both Camara and Kone are deemed too expensive. It means Xabi Alonso will likely have to deal with Fernandez's exit by using the current options in his squad.
Romeo Lavia has seemingly put recurring injury issues behind him and been a starter at the start of Alonso's reign. The Belgian started and scored in last Sunday's 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
