Softfootball understands Chelsea are reportedly prepared to offer Enzo Fernández fresh contract terms after head coach Xabi Alonso made it clear to the club hierarchy that the Argentine midfielder is pivotal to his tactical plans.
Alonso is understood to view Fernández as a key component of his Chelsea project and wants the club to do everything possible to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Fernández is reportedly willing to remain at Chelsea even without European football, but his future has become uncertain because he feels the club have not been fair to him with the current contract proposal.
Manchester City remain in contact with Fernández’s representatives and are still considering whether to make an official bid for the midfielder.
However, Chelsea’s position has hardened. The club are now understood to value Fernández at more than the previous £120 million figure that had been made available to potential suitors.
The Blues are therefore prepared to listen only to offers that meet their revised valuation, while simultaneously exploring improved contract terms to convince Fernández to stay.
With Alonso pushing for the midfielder to remain and City continuing to monitor the situation, Fernández’s future remains one of the major stories to watch before the transfer window closes.
