Chelsea has set a deadline for Friday for any clubs interested in meeting their £120 million ($161.8 million) valuation of Enzo Fernández, according to sources speaking to ESPN.
The club insists that they will not entertain any bids after 5 p.m. UK time on Friday, August 14, as they aim to put an end to the speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future ahead of the upcoming season.
Real Madrid distanced themselves from a move for Fernández last month. The player previously expressed his admiration for the Spanish city in an interview, which led Chelsea to fine him and suspend him for two matches.
Sources indicate that new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho admires the Argentinian international, raising questions about whether the club might reconsider their position in light of Chelsea’s ultimatum.
ESPN’s sources have revealed that Chelsea is firm on their deadline, believing that interested clubs have had 60 days to present a formal offer.
Manchester City is reportedly interested in Fernández and may provide a more feasible option, particularly if Barcelona meets their €80 million ($92 million / £68 million) asking price for Rodri. Negotiations are ongoing, with Barcelona having had two offers rejected by City.
Fernández’s agent, Javier Pastore, confirmed on July 2 that he was “exploring options to leave Chelsea,” but so far, no club has made a formal bid or expressed a readiness to meet Chelsea’s asking price, which ESPN reported back on May 29.
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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is prepared to work with Fernández this season if no transfer materializes, with the midfielder under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
The asking price is aimed at surpassing the £107 million (£144 million) fee Chelsea paid to Benfica for Fernández in February 2023.
During his time at Chelsea, he has scored 19 goals and provided 17 assists in 117 Premier League matches.