Overview
- A previously reported verbal understanding that valued Enzo Fernández at £120 million expired after Manchester City did not lodge a formal bid by the deadline, but City sources and intermediaries say they remain in contact over the player.
- Chelsea has told interested clubs it will now demand more than the earlier £120m figure, using Fernández’s long-term contract to retain leverage and to deter strengthening a domestic rival.
- The Blues have moved to identify replacements and reportedly submitted an opening €75m offer for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, a bid that Bournemouth rejected and which Chelsea may need to raise to progress negotiations.
- Manchester City have opened talks over Alex Scott and are accelerating interest in other midfield targets after selling Rodri, a shift that increases urgency at the Etihad and keeps multiple transfer routes active before the window closes.
- The situation remains fluid: Chelsea can hold Fernández or push for a premium sale while both clubs compete for younger midfielders, a dynamic likely to affect late-window spending and squad plans for the coming season.