Enzo Maresca says Manchester City will not meet Chelsea’s deadline for Fernández

Manchester City will not meet Chelsea's strict 5pm Friday deadline for midfielder Enzo Fernández, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed ahead of his competitive debut with the club. The Blues have valued the 23-year-old Argentine at £120 million and set a firm cutoff for interested parties to submit bids. Maresca, who previously worked with Fernández at Stamford Bridge, acknowledged the transfer window remains active but ruled out City rushing into a deal before the deadline expires. City are preparing for their opening fixture of the season on Sunday against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final replay in Cardiff, with Maresca taking charge for the first time in a competitive match.

The Manchester City manager faces significant squad-building challenges despite the club's dominance in recent seasons, having won the Premier League title four times in the last five years. Fernández has established himself as one of Europe's most promising midfielders since his £106.8 million transfer to Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023, making 43 appearances in the Premier League. City are simultaneously closing in on teenage prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, an 18-year-old midfielder considered one of French football's emerging talents. Multiple transfer targets remain on Maresca's wish list as the January window draws to a close, indicating the club's ambitions to strengthen their midfield options.

Maresca's pragmatic approach to Chelsea's ultimatum reflects City's measured transfer strategy, prioritizing long-term value over rushed decisions. The manager's philosophy emphasizes building sustainable squad depth rather than panic buying, a principle that has guided City's recent transfer success in securing players like Kalvin Phillips and Rodri. With Arsenal providing City's immediate test on Sunday, Maresca must finalize his immediate squad requirements while maintaining focus on competitive performance. The outcome of City's transfer activity in the coming days will shape their tactical flexibility and title defense ambitions throughout the remainder of the season.