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Chelsea have reportedly given Manchester City until 5pm on Friday, August 14, to complete a deal for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
City are understood to be interested in signing the Argentina international, with the club considering a move for the 25-year-old before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea have placed a £120 million valuation on Fernandez, a fee that would make him Manchester City’s most expensive signing if the Premier League champions agree to pay it.
The proposed fee would also surpass City’s current transfer record, following Chelsea’s £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have communicated the Friday deadline to City, while Fernandez’s representatives have been aware of the club’s valuation since the end of last season.
Fernandez’s future has remained uncertain throughout the summer after Chelsea left him off their list of players considered unavailable for transfer.
The midfielder had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, although interest from the Spanish giants has reportedly cooled, leaving City as a potential destination.
Fernandez’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2032, but negotiations over improved terms have reportedly made little progress.
His agent, Javier Pastore, had also raised concerns earlier in the year over the lack of movement in contract discussions.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, however, wants Fernandez to remain at the club and is believed to value his contribution to the team.
Fernandez has also received public backing from midfield partner Moises Caicedo, who urged the Argentine to remain at Stamford Bridge.
“I love Enzo. He knows I have a lot of respect for him,” Caicedo said. “I want him to stay. If he stays here he is going to be massive for us.”
Caicedo also expressed confidence that Fernandez could handle the pressure surrounding his future, describing him as a strong player with the mentality required to deal with the speculation.
Fernandez has returned to Chelsea’s pre-season camp and was pictured training with his teammates on Wednesday.
Since joining Chelsea, the World Cup winner has made 169 appearances, scoring 31 goals and providing 30 assists.
