Chelsea have given interested clubs until Friday evening to submit offers worth at least £120m for Enzo Fernandez as they seek a swift resolution over the midfielder’s future.
The 25-year-old Argentina international has been the subject of transfer speculation since March, when the possibility of a move to Real Madrid first emerged. His representative, Javier Pastore, later indicated that Fernandez was unhappy with his salary and open to leaving Stamford Bridge following a disappointing campaign for Chelsea.
The London club finished 10th in the Premier League and ended the season without silverware after losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
Real Madrid have since ruled themselves out of pursuing Fernandez, leaving Manchester City as the most prominent potential destination. City are now managed by Enzo Maresca, who departed Chelsea during last season, although the club are also considering other midfield options, including Lille’s Ayoub Bouaddi.
Chelsea have set 17:00 BST on Friday as the deadline for formal bids and are expected to maintain their £120m valuation. Fernandez joined the club from Benfica for £107m in January 2023, and Chelsea believe their asking price reflects both his importance and current market value.
The club has allowed roughly two months for Fernandez and any interested teams to explore a possible transfer, but wants clarity before the new Premier League season begins.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has already held discussions with Fernandez over his position in the squad. Chelsea remain prepared to keep the midfielder and restore him as a central figure in the team if no acceptable offer arrives.
Fernandez produced 15 goals and seven assists across 54 appearances for Chelsea last season. He later played a major role in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, where he was sent off during a 1-0 defeat to Spain.
He returned to Chelsea training this week, beginning his first pre-season work under Alonso while uncertainty over his future continues.