Manchester City are considering a major late move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as Pep Guardiola continues rebuilding his midfield.
Fernandez has been valued by Chelsea at around £120 million, meaning any transfer would require City to make an enormous financial commitment.
City’s interest comes after significant changes in their midfield.
Rodri has left for Barcelona, while Tijjani Reijnders has moved to Al Qadsiah and Bernardo Silva has also departed. City therefore need additional quality and experience in the centre of the pitch.
Fernandez would fit Guardiola’s style because of his technical ability, passing range and capacity to influence matches from deeper positions.
However, Chelsea are under no obligation to sell.
The Argentine remains an important player in their squad, and manager Xabi Alonso has already indicated that he expects Fernandez to remain involved.
A move to Manchester City would therefore be extremely controversial.
Chelsea would not only lose a key midfielder but potentially strengthen one of their biggest Premier League rivals.
There is also the question of whether City are prepared to meet Chelsea’s enormous valuation.
With the transfer deadline approaching, negotiations could become increasingly intense.
If City submit a serious offer, Chelsea will face a difficult decision: accept a huge fee and reshape the midfield, or reject the proposal and keep Fernandez for Alonso’s developing project.
The answer could have major consequences for both clubs.