A statement of intent or a squad rebuild? City's transfer window is getting serious

If the summer window was a boxing match, City have just thrown a one-two that has everyone's attention. The club are closing in on two major signings that could reshape the midfield and the attack before the season kicks off.

The headline act is Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine has already agreed to reunite with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad, and City are expected to meet the £120m asking price with a formal bid. Reports from Argentina suggest a deal is essentially done, with Fernandez set to sign a contract until 2032, with an option for a further year.

Fabrizio Romano has insisted personal terms are not an issue, and City are in daily contact with the player's representatives. The next step is direct talks with Chelsea, who are willing to sell but want a replacement lined up first. Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's squad for their League Cup tie against Luton Town, which has only fuelled the speculation. One journalist, Alex Crook, simply posted 'Enzo Fernandez to #MCFC' with an egg timer emoji on X. Make of that what you will.

Meanwhile, the other piece of business is Everton's Iliman Ndiaye. City are preparing an £80m bid for the winger, who has already turned down Al-Hilal and another Saudi club this summer because he wants to stay in the Premier League. The Blues have a good relationship with his agents, and negotiations are ongoing. There's even talk of a swap deal that would send Jack Grealish back to Everton as part of the conversation.

Ndiaye is the primary target, but Cody Gakpo and Pedro Neto are alternatives if this one doesn't land.

All of this comes after a summer that has seen a host of departures — James Trafford, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Rodri, Kalvin Phillips, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Savio and Omar Marmoush have all left. That's a lot of experience out the door, and this spending spree looks like the answer to that exodus.

Whether the club can get both deals over the line remains to be seen, but the direction of travel is clear. City are not just replacing bodies; they're going big.