Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for any clubs wishing to meet their £120 million ($161.8m) valuation of Enzo Fernández, sources have told ESPN.
The Blues are adamant that no bids will be considered after 5 p.m. UK time on Friday Aug. 14, with the club keen to end speculation over the midfielder’s future ahead of the new season.
Real Madrid last month publicly distanced themselves a move for Fernández, who had previously expressed his fondness for the Spanish city in an interview which led to the 25-year-old being fined by Chelsea and suspended for two games.
Sources say new Real boss Jose Mourinho is an admirer of the Argentina international and it remains to be seen if the club changes their stance in the wake of Chelsea’s ultimatum.
Sources close to Chelsea have told ESPN that no offers will be considered after the deadline they have set in the belief that interested parties have had 60 days to make a formal bid.
Manchester City hold an interest in Fernández and appears to be a more likely destination in theory, given they are keen to act if Barcelona meet their €80m ($92m / £68m) valuation for Rodri. But those negotiations are ongoing with no immediate end in sight as Barcelona have now had two bids rejected by City.
Fernández’s agent Javier Pastore confirmed on July 2 that he was “looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea” but no club has tabled a formal bid or indicated a willingness to match the Blues’ valuation, reported by ESPN on May 29.
Read more:Sources: Simeone, Álvarez hold talks at Atlético Madrid amid transfer request
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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is ready to work with Fernández this season if no transfer is agreed and he remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
The asking price reflects a desire to surpass the £107m (£144m) fee which Chelsea paid Benfica for Fernández in February 2023.
He has scored 19 goals and registered 17 assists in 117 Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
