Report: Chelsea and Manchester City try and hijack PSG transfer | OneFootball

Chelsea and Man City Enter Late Race for Barcelona Midfielder

Paris Saint-Germain appear close to securing the signing of Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez, but Chelsea and Manchester City have made a late attempt to alter the trajectory of the deal. As reported by Marc Mechenoua, the Premier League clubs have stepped up contact in recent days despite PSG’s long-standing position as favourites.

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Fernandez, 18, has made five first-team appearances for Barcelona this season, including one outing in the UEFA Champions League. An agreement is now in place for him to join Paris Saint-Germain this month, with the move “nearing a conclusion”, as also referenced by Fabrizio Romano.

PSG Position Strengthens as Clause Strategy Emerges

PSG are expected to pay slightly above the €6m release clause in order “to maintain their relationship with the Catalan club”. That approach has been a recurring theme in PSG’s recent dealings and suggests confidence rather than hesitation.

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The understanding is that Fernandez has already committed to the move, with the framework agreed and only final formalities remaining before a switch to the Parc des Princes.

Premier League Clubs Push Despite Narrow Window

That has not prevented Chelsea and Manchester City from making a last-ditch effort. Mechenoua notes that both clubs “have been aggressive in recent days in trying to turn Fernandez away from a move”, with contact made directly with the player’s entourage.

Borussia Dortmund have also submitted several offers, underlining the level of competition, but timing now appears decisive.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea, this feels like opportunistic engagement rather than expectation. Fans have seen the club intervene late in deals before, sometimes successfully, but there is also an understanding that development pathways matter. If Fernandez is already aligned with PSG’s project, Chelsea supporters would rather see restraint than force.

Manchester City fans, meanwhile, will recognise a familiar pattern. City often track elite youth talent even when deals look unlikely, partly to gather information and partly to remain credible options. There is confidence that if City truly wanted to win this race, they would have moved earlier.

Supporters of both clubs are unlikely to be alarmed if PSG complete the signing. Fernandez looks a high-upside talent, but neither Chelsea nor City are short of midfield depth or emerging prospects. This feels more like market positioning than a missed opportunity, a reminder that elite clubs are constantly testing the edges of deals, even when the outcome appears largely set.