Chelsea open door to Fernandez sale as City eyes midfielder rebuild

The Blues had previously set an August 14 deadline for City to lodge a bid, according to Sky Sports. They were prepared to sell the Argentine for £120m by that date, but no offer materialised. City's interest continues despite missing that window.

Fernandez was notably absent from Chelsea's Carabao Cup victory over Luton on Thursday. Manager Xabi Alonso clarified the decision was tactical rather than transfer-related, describing the midfielder as a "good professional" training well. His availability for Sunday's Brighton clash remains undecided.

City have been active in the transfer market following Rodri's departure to Barcelona. They recently signed teenagers Ayyoub Bouaddi (£86m from Lille) and Elliot Anderson (£116m from Nottingham Forest), and have also lost Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva this summer.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are pursuing reinforcements. They are targeting Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, though both clubs view those players as unsellable. City are also tracking Scott alongside Roma's Manu Kone as midfield options.