Manchester City pursue Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea omit him from Carabao Cup squad

Manchester City are reportedly back in negotiations to purchase Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea insisting on a £120 million price tag that would eclipse the club’s previous record signing of Elliot Anderson. Fernandez was omitted from Xabi Alonso’s lineup for the Carabao Cup match against Luton, even though the manager had suggested he would feature. The transfer window has seen City overhaul their midfield after Pep Guardiola’s departure, having already sold Rodri and Bernardo Silva and recouped roughly £100 million from other sales.

City’s recent activity includes adding 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86 million and could bring total midfield spending to about £300 million. Chelsea may consider a swap involving Alex Scott from Bournemouth, though the Cherries have not shown interest unless a bid near £90 million emerges. The situation highlights the ongoing tug-of-war over the player who was booed by Chelsea fans after Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win.