{
  "id": 746375,
  "title": "EPL: Chelsea demand £120m for Fernandez, set Friday deadline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/epl-chelsea-demand-120m-for-fernandez-set-friday-deadline-746375",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T08:11:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-chelsea-demand-120m-for-fernandez-set-friday-deadline/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea have set a firm deadline of Friday at 17:00 BST for potential suitors of midfielder Enzo Fernandez to submit bids of at least £120m. The Argentina international has been uncertain about his future at Chelsea since March, after initially expressing interest in a move to Real Madrid. His agent, Javier Pastore, stated that Fernandez is underpaid and wants to leave the club following a difficult season where Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League without a trophy. Real Madrid have dismissed any interest in signing Fernandez, leaving Manchester City as the only known potential buyer. However, it remains unclear if City would be willing to meet Chelsea's £120m valuation. Chelsea had paid £107m for Fernandez from Benfica in 2023 and are confident in their asking price, despite having paid a premium. The club is determined to bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez before the new season starts, giving him and interested parties 60 days to finalize a deal. New manager Xabi Alonso has spoken to Fernandez about his future, but has not disclosed the details of their conversation. Chelsea remains committed to reintegrating Fernandez into the squad if no suitable offer emerges.",
  "summary": "Chelsea sets a Friday deadline for clubs interested in Enzo Fernandez, demanding £120m for the midfielder. Learn more about the Enzo Fernandez transfer sag Read More: https://punchng.com/epl-chelsea-demand-120m-for-fernandez-set-friday-deadline/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}