Man City reach agreement with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernández for a joint-British record fixed fee of £125 million on transfer deadline day, bringing an end to lengthy negotiations between the two clubs, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The joint Premier League record-transfer matches what Liverpool paid Newcastle United for the Signing of Alexander Isak, during last summer’s deadline day.

Chelsea signed the Argentine international from Portuguese giants Benfica three seasons ago for a fee a little over £106m, putting pen-to-paper on a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge — becoming the first major signing under then new owners, Clearlake-Boehly consortium.

The 25-year-old will become the Premier League record signing for the second time when he completes his transfer from the West London club to Manchester.

The Argentine midfielder was the Premier League record signing in January 2023 when he signed a £106m.8m move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica.

Fernández made it clear that he wanted to join City, where he will be reunited with his former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. The midfielder has been granted permission to undergo a medical as he closes in on completing his move to the Etihad.

Chelsea are working to bring in a suitable replacement for the Argentina World Cup winner. The Blues have been pursuing Roma midfielder Manu Koné and Monaco’s Lamine Camara, while also exploring other potential midfield options in the Premier League.

However, Fabrizio has reported that Roma are reluctant to sanction Koné’s departure, with the Serie A club keen to retain the France international. That could leave Xabi Alonso with only five senior midfield options if Fernández completes his move to City.

With fewer competitions to contend for this season, the Blues may decide to work with their existing midfield options for now, particularly with their schedule unlikely to become as congested as it would if they were competing across multiple fronts. However, a move for a central midfielder in January cannot be ruled out.

The transfer window officially closes at 11pm, but clubs can be granted an additional two hours to finalise deals if a deal sheet has been submitted before the deadline.