Manchester City have made a €120m offer to Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez as they look to bring the midfielder in for new manager Enzo Maresca.
The Cityzens are preparing to begin a new chapter under former Chelsea boss Maresca after the exit of hugely successful manager Pep Guardiola.
The Etihad club have been active in the transfer market in a bid to strengthen their squad and have already completed the marquee signing of Elliot Anderson, along with several other additions.
After the World Cup, midfielder Rodri appears likely to leave the Etihad, with Spanish heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid both interested in him, leading the Cityzens to look for reinforcements in midfield.
Manchester City have now identified Fernandez as a target, with the Argentine having previously played under Maresca during the manager's spell with the Blues.
The midfielder has been facing uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge since March, when he first opened the door to a possible move to Real Madrid.
With Fernandez in excellent form and still having six years remaining on his Chelsea contract, the Blues have imposed a firm Friday deadline on Manchester City to match their €140m valuation of the Argentine.
Now, in the latest development, Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo has reported that Manchester City have tabled a €120m bid with Chelsea for Fernandez.
It has been claimed that Maresca, who has worked closely with the 25-year-old, wants to sign the player at any cost.
Chelsea, who are also entering a new era under Xabi Alonso, have already brought in Morgan Rogers, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson to strengthen their midfield options.
The Blues have shown no sign of offering any discount to a fellow Premier League side, indicating that they are keen to maximise the revenue they can generate.
It remains unclear whether Manchester City will be able to land Fernandez with their opening offer or if Chelsea will insist on a higher fee.
Meanwhile, it has also been suggested that Landon Emenalo's visit to Celtic's training ground has not ensured the Chelsea youngster a move to Parkhead.
