Manchester City are set to make an opening offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, identified by manager Enzo Maresca as a priority target. Chelsea set an unofficial deadline earlier this summer for a minimum £120m fee, which passed without a deal, but City are expected to return before next week's transfer deadline. The 25-year-old Argentina international could become one of the Premier League's most expensive signings, behind only Liverpool's £125m move for Alexander Isak.

Fernandez maintains a positive relationship with Maresca, who left Chelsea on New Year's Day and joined City in June. This could be City's second record-breaking signing this window after paying £116m for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. City have also lost four major midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah for £52m, Rodri to Barcelona for £65m, Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle for £52m, and Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid.

Fernandez's time at Stamford Bridge has been turbulent. He and agent Javier Pastore courted Real Madrid interest, denied by the Spanish club. Since Chelsea's Champions League exit to PSG in March, Fernandez has been critical of the club. New manager Xabi Alonso spoke privately with the £107m signing from Benfica in July. Fernandez was booed by home fans in Monday's 3-2 win over Fulham due to his role in England's World Cup exit.