- Chelsea have set a 5pm BST deadline on Friday (August 14) for clubs to meet their £120million valuation of Enzo Fernandez
- Al Qadsiah are in advanced talks with Manchester City over Tijjani Reijnders in a deal worth around £60m
- Manchester City will face Arsenal this Sunday in the Community Shield, with Savinho’s involvement under major doubt
Chelsea Await Movement on Fernandez as City Assess Their Funds
Chelsea are preparing for the possibility of Manchester City making a move for Enzo Fernandez before the Blues’ self-imposed transfer cut-off point. Any club interested in the 25-year-old Argentina international must meet Chelsea’s £120 million valuation by 5pm BST on Friday (August 14).
Real Madrid had been linked with Fernandez earlier in the summer, but the Spanish club stepped away from that speculation by issuing a statement confirming that they had no intention of pursuing a deal. That has left Manchester City as the only reported suitor for the midfielder.
City’s interest is tied to new head coach Enzo Maresca, who is understood to be keen on a reunion with Fernandez after their successful period together at Stamford Bridge. However, the financial picture is complicated. Manchester City have already spent £116m on Elliot Anderson this summer and are closing in on an £85m deal for Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, meaning they will likely need to generate funds before meeting Chelsea’s asking price.
🚨🇸🇦 EXCLUSIVE: Tijjani Reijnders says yes to Al Qadsiah and all parties have now a verbal agreement, here we go!
Man City agreed to receive €61m, as revealed today.
Clubs exchanging documents now ahead of signatures.
Reijnders didn’t train as he’s waiting to fly to Saudi. pic.twitter.com/uwOErBoyzs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2026
Reijnders Sale Could Unlock Part of City’s Fernandez Plan
A potential cash injection could come through Tijjani Reijnders. Nottingham Forest had targeted an ambitious move for the Dutch international this summer, just one year after he joined Manchester City from AC Milan in a £46.5m transfer. However, a switch to Saudi Arabia is now on the cards.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah are in advanced talks with Manchester City to sign Reijnders and are close to agreeing a deal worth around £60m. Such a sale would still leave City needing to raise a further £60m to fund a Fernandez bid at Chelsea’s stated valuation.
Another possible route concerns Rodri. City are seeking a figure in that region for the 30-year-old after rejecting two bids from Barcelona. Talks are understood to be ongoing between the two clubs, with the World Cup winner said to favour a move to Barcelona over any other club. Real Madrid have also been credited with interest in him.
| Player | Clubs Involved | Reported Figure | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea, Manchester City | £120million | Chelsea have set a 5pm deadline on Friday (August 14) for interested clubs to meet their valuation. |
| Tijjani Reijnders | Manchester City, Al Qadsiah, Nottingham Forest | Around £60m | Al Qadsiah are in advanced talks and close to agreeing a deal; Nottingham Forest had also targeted him. |
| Rodri | Manchester City, Barcelona | A figure in the region of £60m | City have rejected two bids from Barcelona, with talks ongoing. |
| Savinho | Manchester City, Tottenham | 100 million euros / £85M | Tottenham have made an offer, but City have not given the green light. |
| Elliot Anderson | Manchester City | £116m | City have already spent that amount on him this summer. |
| Ayyoub Bouaddi | Manchester City, Lille | £85m | City are closing in on a deal for the Lille youngster. |
Savinho Pushes for Tottenham Move, but City Hold Firm
Alongside the Fernandez situation, Manchester City are also dealing with growing tension over Savinho’s future. The 22-year-old Brazilian is determined to leave the club this summer, but City have become an unexpected barrier despite an offer of 100 million euros being on the table.
Tottenham, led by Roberto De Zerbi, are building a squad intended to carry high ambitions next season and support a return to European club competitions. Savinho is viewed as a strong fit for that project, and Spurs have submitted a solid offer. However, figures at the Etihad have still not approved the transfer.
The key obstacle is Maresca. The Italian specialist wants Savinho to remain in his squad, even though the winger is considered to have smaller chances of securing a regular starting place than his rivals on the flanks, Semenyo and Doku. Savinho’s wish to pursue a new challenge is therefore colliding with a club stance that is not geared towards easy negotiations.
Training Absence Adds Pressure Before Community Shield
Savinho’s transfer has not been ruled out, but difficult and tense talks are still expected. Manchester City are showing that they are unwilling to part easily with one of their talented players.
The situation intensified after Savinho missed the team’s training session. The club’s official explanation is that the winger is ill, but many have interpreted the timing as a tactical move during a heated stage of negotiations. The coincidence of his “indisposition” has increased speculation around the deal.
In the meantime, City are preparing for an important fixture. This Sunday, Manchester City face Arsenal in the Community Shield, and Savinho’s participation is under a huge question mark.
