Manchester City have entered into direct club-to-club negotiations with Chelsea over the potential transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to reports from Sky in Italy.

Chelsea are understood to be willing to part with Fernandez at the right price — provided they can strengthen their own squad before the summer transfer window shuts. Sky Sports News had previously reported that Chelsea were open to selling the Argentine international.

Missed deadline, renewed interest

Fernandez originally joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107m in 2023. Chelsea and the player's representatives had agreed a selling price of £120m, with August 14 set as the deadline for bids. No offer arrived from City by that date, yet their interest has not faded.

The Argentina midfielder featured in Chelsea's opening Premier League fixture against Fulham this season, but was absent for their Carabao Cup clash with Luton and was left out again when Chelsea faced Brighton.

A midfield reshaped by departures

Rebuilding central midfield has become a pressing concern for City following a string of high-profile exits. Rodri departed for Barcelona earlier this month, while Nico Gonzalez joined Newcastle United in a deal worth up to £50m. Tijjani Reijnders has also left, moving to Al Qadsiah for £51m. Bernardo Silva, whose contract expired, subsequently signed for Real Madrid.

City have moved to address the void with two significant arrivals. Ayyoub Bouaddi signed from Lille for £86m — a world-record fee for a teenager — and Elliot Anderson joined in July from Nottingham Forest in a £116m deal, with the England international adding further depth to their midfield options.

Talks over Fernandez are ongoing, with the transfer window set to close imminently.