EPL: Chelsea demand £120m for Fernandez, set Friday deadline

Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for interested clubs to submit offers for Enzo Fernandez, with the club demanding at least £120m for the midfielder. The Argentina international has been uncertain about his future at Stamford Bridge since March, when he suggested leaving for Real Madrid. Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, stated that his client was underpaid and wanted to leave following a difficult season for Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League without a trophy.

Real Madrid have ruled out signing Fernandez, leaving Manchester City as the only known potential buyer. City has yet to confirm if they would meet Chelsea’s £120m valuation, while Chelsea is also targeting Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi. Chelsea has given Fernandez and interested clubs 60 days to complete a deal at what they consider a fair price.

The deadline aims to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the 25-year-old before the new season begins. New manager Xabi Alonso has spoken to Fernandez about his future but has not revealed details of their conversation. The club remains willing to fully integrate Fernandez into the squad if no suitable offer emerges. Fernandez scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 matches last season, and contributed to Argentina reaching the World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after Fernandez received a red card.

Fernandez returned to training with Chelsea this week for the first time under Alonso, and his future will be determined by Friday’s deadline.