Chelsea have informed City that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will cost £120m, with the London club insisting any deal must be completed before the Premier League season begins.

City are exploring options to reshape their central midfield under Enzo Maresca, with Fernandez identified as a key target following their time working together at Stamford Bridge.

However, Chelsea are unwilling to entertain a prolonged saga late in the transfer window and want certainty over the 25-year-old’s future before their opening fixture.

• Transfer fee: Chelsea are refusing to drop below their £120m asking price for the Argentina international.
• Outgoing dependent: City’s pursuit remains tied to potential departures, with Barcelona continuing to track Rodri.
• Player status: Fernandez returned to training at Cobham this week following his post-World Cup break. He has not submitted a transfer request.
• Bouaddi progress: City remain in separate advanced negotiations with Lille for 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal worth around £85m.

Maresca remains keen to bring Fernandez to the Etihad, but with Chelsea holding firm on both price and timeline, City will need to move quickly on player sales to test their resolve with an opening offer.

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