Enzo Fernandez is reportedly expected to miss Chelsea’s squad against Brighton on Sunday as City consider whether to make a late move for the midfielder.
RMC Sport reports that Fernández is set to sit out the Premier League game at Stamford Bridge, with his future still unresolved ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
It would be his second successive absence.
Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for Thursday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Luton despite manager Xabi Alonso previously indicating that he expected the midfielder to be involved.
Alonso subsequently said the decision had been made by himself and the club, while insisting Fernández had not asked to be left out.
City decision could now be key
The situation has moved on considerably during the closing stages of the window.
Sky Sports reported on Friday that Chelsea are prepared to sell Fernández to City for the right price, provided they are also given the opportunity to strengthen their squad.
Chelsea had previously valued the Argentina international at around £120m, with City failing to make an offer before an earlier deadline set by the London club.
That deadline has passed, but the possibility of a deal has not disappeared.
Alonso was also non-committal when asked about Fernández’s future before the Brighton game, saying Chelsea would have to see what happened during the remaining days of the window.
There is still no agreement between City and Chelsea and no reliable indication yet that City’s interest has developed into an accepted offer.
But a second successive omission would be significant.
If Fernández is absent against Brighton as RMC Sport expects, the focus will inevitably shift towards whether City are prepared to meet Chelsea’s demands before the window closes.
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