Man City see £120m Enzo Fernandez bid rejected as Chelsea target Arsenal star

Manchester City have seen a bid in excess of £120m for Enzo Fernandez rejected by Chelsea, talkSPORT understands.

Enzo Maresca's side are confident of completing a deal before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Fernandez has already told City he wants to join them, with sources close to him believing a move was at its final stages.

Although Chelsea previously denied that formal talks had taken place, discussions between the two clubs are now underway.

talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: Crook said: "It's our understanding, speaking to Chelsea sources, that the offer is in now from Man City. It is worth in excess of £120m.

"It could well be a new Premier League record, eclipsing what Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak this time last year.

"You would expect this deal to get done."

New City boss Maresca has been the driving force behind City's interest in Fernandez.

Chelsea previously set a deadline of 5pm on Friday, August 14 for interested clubs to meet their £120million asking price. However, the cut-off point passed without City making an offer.

Despite Chelsea's stance, the deal is expected to accelerate during the final days of the transfer window.

Premier League clubs have until 11pm on Tuesday, September 1 to complete their business.

Fernandez expected to leave Chelsea

As well as not being involved for the Carabao Cup, Fernandez was left out of the matchday squad for the 4-3 win over Brighton.

City are keen to add him to their midfield alongside the arrival of Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Meanwhile, Newcastle completed the signing of Nico Gonzalez, paving the way for Fernandez's arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca previously worked with the World Cup winner at Stamford Bridge.

During their time together, they won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Chelsea midfield targets

Chelsea have made a £38.5m bid for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

That offer is expected to be rejected by Monaco.

The Ligue 1 side are asking for closer to £51m for Camara, who is understood to be open to the move.

Roma's Manu Kone has also been linked as a replacement for Fernandez, but that deal is proving difficult.

Kone's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has insisted that his midfielder will be staying at the club.

The Blues could also then turn to the Premier League.

talkSPORT understands Lucas Bergvall, Morgan Gibbs-White and Martin Zubimendi are all also being considered by Chelsea.

talkSPORT's football correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed: "They would love Morgan Gibbs-White...it's not viewed as possible.

"But there are at least two other names I can tell you.

"The first name, Martin Zubimendi, the second Lucas Bergvall.

"Chelsea, as it stands, have not made a bid for these players, but they're on the list, as they seek a replacement that will unlock Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City."

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