Chelsea have set a 5pm Friday deadline for bids for Enzo Fernández, putting Manchester City on a short clock as they decide whether to make a move for the midfielder.
The latest update from Enzo Maresca suggests City are unlikely to act before that cutoff. Asked about the situation, Maresca said, “Not today to be honest, I don’t think we’re going to do something today,” indicating that no offer was expected on Friday.
Chelsea’s valuation remains the key issue
The deadline is designed to force interested clubs to match Chelsea’s valuation or move on. Fernández would cost £120m, which explains why the situation has reached this point. Chelsea are not simply waiting for interest to build; they are trying to bring clarity to the market before the season begins.
That matters because Manchester City have been linked with an interest in Fernández, but the price remains a major hurdle. If they do not act before the deadline, Chelsea will have a clearer answer on whether the pursuit is serious enough to continue.
City’s focus is also on the weekend
Maresca made clear that his immediate attention is elsewhere. City face Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday, and he said his focus is on winning his first trophy with the club rather than on transfer movement.
He also pointed to the realities of the transfer window, saying anything can still happen. For now, though, his message was that City are not expected to do anything before the deadline.
There was also a reminder that the squad is still in a period of change. Maresca mentioned Rodri returning to the club after his holiday, and noted that players want to play regularly, which can shape how they view their options late in the window.
For Chelsea, the next step is simple: wait until the deadline passes and see whether Manchester City, or any other club, are willing to meet the price. If not, Fernández stays put and the story moves on. If they do, this could become one of the defining deals of the late window.
