Chelsea set strict deadline to Man City over Enzo Fernandez transfer

Chelsea have imposed a strict deadline for Enzo Fernandez’s transfer (PA Wire)

Chelsea have told Manchester City that they need to reach an agreement to sign Enzo Fernandez for £120 million by 5pm on Friday, according to reports.

City have identified Fernandez as their next marquee midfield signing after completing a £116m deal for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

Enzo Maresca also faces the prospect of losing Rodri after Barcelona submitted an improved £51.3m [€60m] for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain this week.

According to The Athletic , Chelsea are not prepared to wait on City and have informed their Premier League rivals that their £120m asking price for Fernandez will only hold until 5pm on Friday afternoon.

The report claims that Chelsea will keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge if City are unable to reach an agreement before their deadline.

Fernandez had a strong relationship with Maresca during their time together at Chelsea and speaking in March, the Argentine criticised the club over the Italian’s sudden exit .

Enzo Fernandez had a strong relationship with Enzo Maresca during their time together at Chelsea (AP)

‘I don’t understand it either,’ Fernandez told Mexican broadcaster TUDN .

‘Sometimes there are things that we as players don’t understand, how and in what way they try to manage things.

‘Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity. He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad.

‘But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season, it cuts everything short.’

Speaking last month, Xabi Alonso made it clear that he wants Fernandez to remain at Chelsea.

‘Yes we have spoken. But as you can imagine what we have spoken remains private,’ Alonso said.