Man City open talks with Chelsea over Fernandez move

Manchester City has initiated discussions with Chelsea regarding the potential signing of midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The transfer, expected to be one of the most costly deals of the summer, is currently being negotiated between the two clubs. Chelsea has set a minimum valuation of £120 million for Fernandez, and talks are currently underway to agree upon a price.

Enzo Fernandez, 25, had previously worked with City's manager Enzo Maresca during his time at Chelsea's rival club. Maresca expresses his desire to work with Fernandez again, while Fernandez is reportedly open to a move to City. It remains to be seen whether both clubs can reach an agreement on the transfer price. If successful, the deal is anticipated to be finalized swiftly, as personal terms do not appear to be a concern.

Although there was no formal conversation between the clubs prior to these current talks, Chelsea had been aware of City's interest in Fernandez. The Argentine international maintains a positive relationship with Maresca, who left Chelsea abruptly on New Year's Day and joined Manchester City in June. This potential transfer could make Fernandez one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, surpassing Liverpool's £125 million acquisition of Alexander Isak last summer.

With a history of significant midfield departures from Chelsea, including Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for £52 million, Rodri to Barcelona for £65 million, Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle for £52 million, and Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid, this could be the second instance of Manchester City surpassing their transfer record in the same transfer window, following their £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Recent turmoil at Stamford Bridge has also affected Fernandez, who, along with his agent Javier Pastore, explored interest from Real Madrid before the latter denied any attempt to sign him. The situation has been ongoing since Chelsea's elimination from the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain in March, following which Fernandez grew increasingly critical of the club.