City close in on Fernandez but gap remains over fee
Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Enzo Fernandez over personal terms, with the midfielder said to be keen on a move to the Etihad. The catch? Chelsea's asking price.
Journalist Nicolo Schira claims the Blues are prepared to offer the Argentine a six-year deal, with a bid of around €130m (£111.3m) expected to be tabled imminently. That figure, however, would fall short of Chelsea's reported £120m valuation, leaving the two clubs with some negotiating to do.
City have yet to make an official offer, but that is expected to change shortly.
Maresca's influence
Head coach Enzo Maresca is said to be driving the move, eager to reunite with a player he worked with for one and a half seasons at Chelsea before his departure at the start of the year. The pair's previous relationship could prove decisive in convincing Fernandez to make the switch.
Fernandez was notably absent from the starting lineup for Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday, a decision that raised eyebrows even accounting for his late return from the World Cup. Speaking after the match, Blues boss Xabi Alonso offered little reassurance to those hoping he would stay, saying: "In football, I am not surprised by anything. We will see. My wish is that we know what will happen for the future, but we will see this week."
Not exactly a ringing endorsement of Fernandez's long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Gonzalez heading to Newcastle
Meanwhile, City are set to offload Nico Gonzalez, with the 24-year-old poised to complete a £52m move to Newcastle United in the coming hours. Gonzalez spent just over 18 months at the Etihad but never managed to establish himself as a regular starter, and his departure could free up both funds and a squad place for a marquee arrival like Fernandez.
With the transfer window entering its final days, City's business is picking up pace.