Chelsea are preparing for discussions to finalize the transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, as the club shifts its focus to potential replacements from the European market. Fernandez, who has expressed a desire to join Manchester City to work under former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, is expected to complete the move despite the absence of formal negotiations between the two clubs at this stage.

Chelsea acquired Fernandez for £107 million but have set an asking price of £120 million, a figure that Manchester City has been reluctant to meet. The Blues indicated a deadline of August 14 for bids earlier this month, which has since passed without an agreement. However, sources suggest both sides are likely to reach a settlement. Fernandez’s omission from Chelsea’s squad for their upcoming match against Luton Town further signals that a resolution to the transfer saga is imminent.

While the exact timeline and terms remain unspecified, the potential departure of Fernandez leaves Chelsea searching for midfield reinforcements from Europe. The club is expected to target players who can fill the void left by one of the transfer window’s most high-profile movements.

The ongoing negotiations reflect the complexity of high-value transfers amid the crowded summer window. Chelsea’s approach combines a financial objective with the need to maintain a competitive squad, while Manchester City aims to secure a key signing without exceeding the initial price expectation. The outcome of this transfer will likely influence Chelsea’s activity moving forward in the market.