Chelsea set 5pm Friday deadline for Enzo Fernandez sale

Chelsea have issued a deadline of 5:00 PM on Friday for Manchester City to complete the transfer of Enzo Fernandez. The West London club is demanding a fee of £120 million to allow the Argentine midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge.

If an official bid matching the £120 million valuation is not submitted by the specified time, Chelsea will not sell the player during this transfer window. The club has communicated these terms and payment requirements to both Manchester City officials and the representatives of the player.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is attempting to bring Fernandez back to his former club. While City have been in discussions with the player's camp for several days, the financial aspect of the deal is complex. The English champions have already invested more than £100 million in a different midfield player this summer.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso wants his squad to be fully settled before the start of the Premier League season. This desire for a finalised roster has led the club hierarchy to set this firm ultimatum.

The deadline puts pressure on Manchester City to manage their squad departures. The club needs to finalise the exit of Rodri, who is linked with a move to Barcelona in La Liga, to create the necessary space for a new midfielder.