Chelsea’s deadline to listen to offers for Enzo Fernandez has passed, but could the Argentine midfielder still leave Stamford Bridge this summer?
The Enzo Fernandez transfer saga has taken another twist, with Chelsea’s self-imposed deadline for clubs, especially Manchester City, to make an offer passing without a formal bid.
The Blues had wanted clarity by Friday so they could decide whether there was enough time to find a replacement, but no £120 million proposal arrived.
Fernandez’s future first became a talking point after reports suggested the Argentina international was considering leaving Chelsea, with Real Madrid initially emerging as a potential destination. However, Madrid ultimately rejected the idea of signing the midfielder, leaving Manchester City as the club most seriously linked with a move.
🚨 Chelsea consider Enzo Fernández no longer available at £120m as terms were made clear to his camp since May — effectively agreed as a ‘release clause’.#CFC happy to keep Enzo and continue with him.
❗️ Manchester City mantained daily active talks with Enzo’s camp, in last 48… pic.twitter.com/tNSHCrMcYo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2026
City’s interest has been driven in part by manager Enzo Maresca, who knows Fernandez well from their time together at Chelsea. Maresca is understood to be keen on bringing the midfielder to the Etihad, while City have continued to maintain contact with Fernandez’s representatives despite Chelsea’s stance.
Chelsea, however, have consistently made it clear that they do not want to sell. Fernandez remains under contract until 2032 and is regarded as an important part of the club’s plans. The Blues therefore set Friday’s deadline, reportedly demanding around £120 million for a deal that would give them enough time to identify and sign a replacement.
That deadline has now passed without Manchester City making the required offer, strengthening Chelsea’s position that the transfer saga should be over. The club believes Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge and has even considered offering him improved terms as a further indication of their desire to keep him.
🚨🔵 Chelsea have not received any official bid for Enzo Fernández — as their own 5pm UK time ‘deadline’ has now passed.#CFC inform £120m verbal ‘exit clause’ made available to Enzo’s camp for potential suitors at end of May is now off the table. pic.twitter.com/7aZZiq934S
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2026
City, though, do not appear to view Friday’s deadline as the end of the story. The Premier League transfer window remains open until September 1, meaning there is still time for the champions to make a late approach. There is also a belief within City that Fernandez would be interested in joining Maresca at the Etihad if an agreement can be reached.
For now, the chances of Fernandez leaving Chelsea appear considerably lower than they did earlier in the summer, but the door has not been completely shut. Chelsea have no need to sell, while City’s willingness to meet their valuation could ultimately determine whether the Argentine stays or leaves. Unless a significant late offer arrives, however, Fernandez is increasingly likely to begin the new season as a Chelsea player.
