Why Fernandez uncertainty has echoes of Isak saga

Enzo Fernandez's potential £120 million transfer to Manchester City has fans and clubs alike recalling the saga of Alexander Isak's £125 million move to Liverpool last summer. Chelsea, under the leadership of former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, remain interested in signing the Argentina midfielder. The club has appointed high-profile agent Jorge Mendes to negotiate the deal, and Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore has agreed to the potential sale for £120 million by the end of the transfer window on August 14.

Reports suggest Chelsea is still willing to sell Fernandez, but the player himself wants out of the club. Should he leave, Manchester City would bolster their midfield with both Fernandez and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, potentially exceeding a total spend of £330 million. Chelsea have already bolstered their midfield with the signings of Elliot Anderson and Jeremy Monga, and will aim to keep their wage bill under control with the departures of Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake.

Reports from Spain indicate Chelsea is open to selling Fernandez, and the club hopes giving him the captain's armband will re-integrate him into the squad. However, the uncertainty around Fernandez's future remains, with concerns over the disruption such a late transfer would cause, especially if new manager Xabi Alonso wanted to rebuild his midfield.