Chelsea are making plans for the possible departure of Enzo Fernandez as City continue working on one of the biggest potential deals of the closing stages of the transfer window.
Cody Gakpo’s future also remains unresolved, Iliman Ndiaye is still on City’s radar and Enzo Maresca’s options out wide remain an issue despite Friday’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
Our live Man City summer transfer tracker has the full state of play.
Here are the main City stories and talking points from Monday so far.
Chelsea make plans as City work on Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez remains the headline story.
The Argentina international is understood to be open to joining City, but there is still no agreement with Chelsea over a fee.
Chelsea’s activity elsewhere is therefore significant.
Graeme Bailey reports for TEAMtalk that talks have progressed over Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as Chelsea prepare for the possibility of Fernandez leaving Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso has left Fernandez out of successive matchday squads and said over the weekend that Chelsea were “preparing for all scenarios”.
That is not confirmation that Fernandez will join City.
Chelsea are, though, doing some of the work they would need to do if he leaves.
Read more: Chelsea step up replacement talks as City work on Enzo Fernandez deal
Fernandez odds collapse
The betting market has moved dramatically as well.
Fernandez was available at 6/1 to join City earlier in August but has since been as short as 1/6.
Those odds are not evidence of an agreement. Transfer betting markets can move quickly and City still need to find a deal Chelsea will accept.
The change is nevertheless difficult to miss.
Fernandez appears open to the move.
The much harder conversation is between the clubs.
Read more: Enzo Fernandez now 1/6 to join City as deadline closes in
Gakpo remains a major deal to watch
Cody Gakpo could yet become the other major addition to Maresca’s squad.
City have opened talks with Liverpool and an opening offer has reportedly been made for the Netherlands international.
Gakpo is understood to favour the move if Liverpool agree to sell.
Virgil van Dijk would rather he stayed.
“He’s a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let’s see what the next three days bring,” said the Liverpool captain.
Liverpool’s own attacking business could have a major influence on what happens next.
Read more: Virgil van Dijk sends Cody Gakpo message as Man City make their move
Why Maresca still wants another winger
Friday’s 4-1 victory at Crystal Palace showed that City hardly have a problem scoring goals.
The squad still looks short of natural width.
Phil Foden started on the right at Selhurst Park despite being happier inside, Jérémy Doku is injured and the departures of Sávio and Omar Marmoush have reduced Maresca’s attacking options.
The City head coach has previously been quite specific about the type of winger he likes: somebody capable of staying wide and beating defenders one against one.
Gakpo and Ndiaye are different players, but both would give Maresca something he currently lacks.
Read more: Why City need another winger – and why Gakpo and Ndiaye both make sense
Ndiaye door is not completely closed
Tottenham remain ahead of City for Iliman Ndiaye.
Spurs have made the Everton forward their number one target and Romano reports that they have an agreement with Ndiaye and his representatives.
Richarlison’s decision over a possible return to Everton could yet influence whether Tottenham complete the transfer.
If that move breaks down, Ndiaye’s position could change again.
City have shown interest, although there has been no report of a bid.
That distinction is important.
For now, Gakpo appears the more active City pursuit.
City’s final day could still change the squad
Maresca already has a team capable of producing the sort of football seen at Selhurst Park.
The question is whether City believe the squad behind it is deep enough.
Fernandez would substantially change the midfield.
Gakpo would restore some of the attacking depth lost this summer.
Ndiaye remains another name to watch if Tottenham’s move fails.
Jeremy Monga, meanwhile, is expected to join Swansea on a season-long loan without an option to buy.
The major business lies elsewhere.
City have spent much of Monday working on Fernandez and Gakpo. Tuesday will tell us whether either deal can actually be done.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
Comments.
Loading comments…