Manchester City have been given a deadline by Chelsea to bid for Enzo Fernandez, with the Blues valuing the midfielder at £120m. The transfer window closes on September 1, and City are in talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Barcelona pursuing Rodri. Relations between City and Chelsea are strained after the acrimonious manner of Enzo Maresca's departure from Chelsea. City paid Chelsea £17m in compensation to appoint Maresca this summer. He had resigned with three and a half years to run on his contract at the end of 2025 after being sounded out about succeeding Pep Guardiola last autumn. Chelsea chose to impose this deadline to avoid the distractions that arose when Maresca stood down with his shock exit announced by the club on New Year's Day. Their view is that interested clubs have had the best part of two months to make an approach for Fernandez. They want new manager Xabi Alonso and his players to be able to focus on the new season ahead. Fernandez was dropped by Chelsea for two games in April after he admitted he would welcome living in Madrid. The player and his agent also apologised for his comments. They had been seeking improved terms at Chelsea. Real Madrid released a statement earlier this summer denying that they would make an attempt to sign Fernandez. Barcelona are ready to raise their offer for Rodri, which could lead to City making their move for Fernandez before Chelsea's deadline. City want to keep the 30-year-old Rodri but he has entered the final year of his contract. Barcelona are ready to up their offer to City for Rodri to somewhere in the £50m to £60m bracket. City are also aware of interest from Nottingham Forest in Tijjani Reijnders. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Premier League, 78 pts, 23W-9D-6L from 38 games, recent form LDWWD. Goals this season: 77 scored, 35 conceded (+42 goal difference). Title race: 7 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Manchester City 1-2 Aston Villa (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 1W-2D-2L (LLDDW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Coventry (at home, 2026-09-05).