Manchester City are now set to make a late bid for Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, with the midfielder keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Super agent Jorge Mendes has recently been in talks to try and orchestrate a move, but Chelsea are playing hard-ball, and continue to demand £120m, given that Fernandez is one of their prized assets.
Man City are looking to make a statement signing in the middle of the park, with Jamie Carragher suggesting they won’t be able to win the Premier League title following Rodri’s departure to Barcelona, saying: “A few weeks ago, I thought Man City might have a chance – but it was all around Rodri. If Rodri stayed I’d maybe make a case for them, but without Rodri, I just can’t see it.”
The Argentinian is a different type of midfielder to Rodri, considering he is more proficient from an attacking point of view, picking up 20 goals and ten assists for the west Londoners in all competitions last season.
Rodri, on the other hand, excels when it comes to retaining possession, completing considerably more passes per 90 than the Chelsea midfielder in the Premier League last season, and double the number of accurate long balls.
|
Premier League performance 2025-26 |
Rodri |
Enzo Fernandez |
|
Goals |
1 |
10 |
|
Assists |
0 |
4 |
|
Big chances created |
2 |
11 |
|
Accurate passes per 90 |
86.7 |
50.6 |
|
Accurate long balls per 90 |
5.4 |
2.7 |
While the 25-year-old may not be a like-for-like replacement for the Spaniard, his ability on the front foot means he would be an exciting addition to Enzo Fernandez’ squad, and Fabrizio Romano has shared a new update on City’s pursuit.
Man City set to make offer for Enzo Fernandez
Taking to X, Romano revealed that Man City are set to make a bid for Fernandez ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline, and the central midfielder has “opened the doors” for a move to the Etihad Stadium.
However, Chelsea will only be prepared to sanction a move if the money is right, and they remain in a strong negotiating position, as the 49-cap Argentina international remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Former interim Chelsea manager Calum McFarlane described the former Benfica man as “exceptional” last season, and Xabi Alonso may be reluctant to lose him, having also singled him out for high praise since his arrival.
Speaking prior to his side’s 3-2 victory at Fulham on Monday night, the Spaniard said: “He’s a top, top player. He’s training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.”