CHELSEA expect Enzo Fernandez to stay for this season after receiving no bids before their Friday deadline.

New boss has been keen on a reunion with the Argentina international at The Etihad.

Chelsea FC Training SessionEnzo Fernandez is training and preparing for the new season at Chelsea amid Man City links Credit: Getty Chelsea FC Training SessionEnzo Fernandez trains alongside current Chelsea teammates Reece James, Morgan Rogers, Enzo Fernandez, Dario Essugo and Marco Palestra Credit: Getty

However, City do not value the midfielder at ‘s £120million asking price.

Fernandez, 25, has openly courted a move since March this year, with his agent, Javier Pastore, also publicly discussing a potential Stamford Bridge exit.

Chelsea presented the player’s camp with acceptable terms, the £120m fee and a payment structure which suited them, at the start of the window.

With the deadline now passed, those terms – insiders say – are now off the table and the midfielder is expected to be part of ‘s squad for the entire season. Chelsea are not open to a January sale.

New boss Alonso said in his unveiling last month that he wanted to keep the former Benfica man at the club.

considered a move early in the window before making an official statement declaring they would not pursue a deal.

Fernandez had been considered a potential replacement for at City, with the Spain international nearing his own move to Real Madrid.

But asked on Friday whether City would meet his former club’s transfer deadline, Maresca said: “Not today to be honest, I don’t think we’re going to do something today.

Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates scoring a goal at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final.Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernandez to score the equaliser against England last month before Argentina went on to win it late on Credit: Getty Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5Enzo Maresca is keen on a reunion with Enzo Fernandez at Manchester City to replace Barcelona bound Rodri Credit: Getty

“For sure there are things we need to do, how many I don’t know, can be one can be two depends also if players want to leave so we can see. It’s 48 hours for the final, my first final in this club.

“I would like to win my first trophy, so my focus isn’t on players that can leave or players that can arrive, my focus is on the game.”