Man City in crunch talks for Enzo Fernandez as Grealish edges closer to exit

Manchester City are locked in crunch talks with Chelsea over a potential club-record move for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with the transfer window closing on Tuesday at 11pm. City have already broken their transfer record this summer by signing Elliot Anderson for £116m, but a deal for Fernandez would surpass that figure — and Chelsea have so far been reluctant sellers.

Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the second consecutive Premier League match on Sunday, when the west London side beat Brighton 4-3. Head coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the uncertainty around the Argentine’s future without confirming a departure. “We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios,” Alonso said. “I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”

At the other end of City’s business, Jack Grealish appears increasingly close to leaving the Etihad. The England winger was absent from the squad that won 4-1 at Crystal Palace on Friday, having featured as a substitute in both the Community Shield and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth. Everton, Sunderland, and Aston Villa have all been linked with the 29-year-old, most likely on loan. City manager Enzo Maresca spoke with Grealish on Thursday and decided to leave him out of the matchday squad. “We’ll see what happens in the next 48-72 hours,” Maresca said. No agreement with another club had been reached as of Monday, and Maresca noted it remains possible Grealish stays.

In attack, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has emerged as a key target following Omar Marmoush’s departure, with City looking to bolster their options wide. Separately, Palmeiras teenager Allan Elias is set to join City as a replacement for Savinho.

With the window entering its final hours, City’s business on both incomings and outgoings remains unresolved, and Tuesday’s deadline is expected to be a busy one at the Etihad.