Blues prepared to meet Chelsea's demands
Manchester City are prepared to pay what it takes to land Enzo Fernandez before the window shuts, with sources telling Football Insider the club will meet Chelsea's £120million asking price for the 25-year-old.
The Blues have not ruled out letting the midfielder leave, but they have made it clear the price must be right. That price, it seems, is £120million — a figure originally set to deter suitors, with a deadline of last Friday attached. As one observer noted, that deadline was "a bit crazy really."
Fernandez himself is said to be interested in a move away from Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are open to selling for the right offer. City, for their part, have the funds: the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have freed up serious money.
"Man City are rebuilding that midfield, City with Bernardo Silva leaving in summer, Rodri's gone, Tijjani Reijnders has gone as well."
Rodri's switch to Barcelona has set off a chain reaction at the Etihad, making at least one new midfielder a priority for Enzo Maresca. Reijnders, meanwhile, has headed to the Saudi Pro League. Add Bernardo Silva's summer exit to the mix and the scale of the overhaul becomes clear.
City have already brought in Elliot Anderson earlier in the window, but more changes are planned. Football Insider reported on 21 August that the club intend to accelerate their pursuit of Fernandez within days, and there is growing optimism a deal can be struck that suits everyone involved.
Wharton emerges as alternative
Fernandez is not the only name on the list. City have also made an enquiry about Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, whose performances over the last two seasons have pushed him high up their targets. Scouts have been tracking the England international at Selhurst Park for several years.
Palace, though, are not willing to sell, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, and they are expected to demand a massive fee for the midfielder. City remain keen but look set to miss out on that front.
For now, the focus is on Fernandez. Whether Chelsea's resolve holds remains to be seen, but City's willingness to meet the asking price suggests this one could go down to the wire.