Chelsea Set Deadline For Enzo Fernandez's Future - Man City & Player's Camp Informed | OneFootball

Fernandez returned for pre-season duty this week along with six other players. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea have set a hard deadline for when Enzo Fernandez's future must be resolved by, otherwise he will not be sold by the Blues this summer, amid interest from Manchester City.

The 25-year-old has reported back for pre-season duty this week at Chelsea's Cobham training ground following his extended break after the 2026 World Cup.

Over the last couple of months, Fernandez's future has become increasingly uncertain after his agent, Javier Pastore, confirmed he would explore a potential move for his client amid contract talks with the Blues to improve his current deal, which runs until June 2032.

Real Madrid and Man City have shown interest in the midfielder. Chelsea have set an asking price of £120 million for the Argentine, who they are happy to keep at the club as part of manager Xabi Alonso's plans for the upcoming season.

With Man City potentially losing Rodri to Barcelona this summer, and now managed by former Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, they could advance their interest in Fernandez. Maresca is thought to be keen on reuniting with Fernandez, but it remains unclear if they are willing to pay a substantial fee to land him.

However, Chelsea have made a huge decision, as revealed by The Athletic, amid Man City's interest, in a bid to avoid uncertainty once the season gets underway.

It's reported that Chelsea have set a 5pm (UK) deadline on Friday, August 14, for suitors, including Man City, to submit a bid that matches the £120m asking price if they want to sign Fernandez.

If Chelsea's valuation is not met by August 14, they will not sell Fernandez, and he will remain at the club this summer.

Both Man City and Fernandez's camp have been informed of Chelsea's decision and deadline. If they want the midfielder, they have to act swiftly; otherwise, he will remain in west London.

Fernandez's teammates have already shown they want to keep him at the club. During Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo admitted it would be 'massive' for Chelsea if he were to stay.

Chelsea are now, rightly, taking control of the situation and ensuring there is no disruption over Fernandez's future once the season gets underway, which for them is on August 24 against Fulham in the Premier League.

They also play their final pre-season fixture on August 15 against Real Sociedad to conclude their match preparations ahead of the new campaign.

For Chelsea, they will be calm about the situation. They will either keep a quality midfielder in their team or receive the full asking price they have always held out for. It's now down to Fernandez, his agent Pastore, and Man City whether his future is to be away from Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window.