Chelsea set Friday deadline over £120m Fernandez

Chelsea has given clubs until Friday at 17:00 BST to make offers for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120 million or higher. The 25-year-old Argentine has been in limbo since March, when he expressed interest in a move to Real Madrid. His agent, Javier Pastore, had accused the club of underpaying him and expressed a desire to leave following a disappointing season where Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League without any trophies.

Real Madrid, who purchased Fernandez from Benfica for £107 million in 2023, have ruled themselves out of signing him. Manchester City, however, remains a potential suitor, though they have also shown interest in Lille's Ayoub Bouaddi. Chelsea is determined to stand firm on their valuation despite signing Fernandez for a record £107 million, as they believe the price is fair.

The club's new manager, Xabi Alonso, has discussed Fernandez's future with him but has not shared specifics of their conversation. Chelsea has assured Fernandez that he will be fully reintegrated into the squad and can continue to play a key role. The midfielder has scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances for the club last season.

Fernandez returned to training with Chelsea this week for the first time under Alonso following his World Cup experience.