Manchester City Prepares New Bid for Fernandez Amid Chelsea Uncertainty

Manchester City are preparing another push for Fernandez, refusing to be put off by an informal deadline Chelsea allowed to pass earlier in the window.

The midfielder, valued at around £120 million, has been at the centre of one of the summer’s longest-running sagas, with talk of an exit from Stamford Bridge refusing to die down as the September 1 deadline looms.

Alonso plans to use Fernandez – for now

Despite the noise, Xabi Alonso is planning with Fernandez in his squad. The Chelsea head coach expects him to feature in Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, as reported by The Independent.

Fernandez came off the bench in the Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday and, speaking ahead of the Luton game, Alonso was clear about his status.

“Yes, so we expect that he's involved. He has trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved,” Alonso said.

That involvement comes at a time when the player’s relationship with the fanbase appears to be shifting again. Fernandez received a warm reception from Chelsea supporters when he entered the pitch at Craven Cottage, a sharp contrast to the boos that greeted him during a pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge. Those jeers stemmed from his controversial role in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England, a flashpoint that has lingered for some.

On the football side, Alonso made no secret of how highly he rates the midfielder, while leaving the door open to change.

“We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop,” he said.

City are expected to test that resolve again with another bid before the window closes on September 1.

Chelsea line up Scott as potential replacement

Chelsea are not standing still in the background. If Fernandez goes, they are prepared to return to Bournemouth for Alex Scott.

Bournemouth have pushed back on all interest so far, but there is a growing belief that an offer above £80 million – and likely closer to £90 million – could force a rethink on the south coast.

Alonso, though, refused to tie Fernandez’s future directly to the club’s ability to land a replacement and would not be drawn on whether any sale depends on securing Scott.

“It is always about understanding the context, the situation, timings, circumstances, so there is not a defined rule for everything,” he said. “You need to know how things have worked, what you want, what you want for the future, so I don't have the rules in stone. We need to assess each situation.”

For now, Fernandez trains, Alonso picks him, and Manchester City circle. The next move could reshape not just Chelsea’s midfield, but the balance of power at the top of the Premier League.