Chelsea have set a Friday deadline for clubs interested in midfielder Enzo Fernandez to submit offers of at least £120 million for the Argentina international.

Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge has remained uncertain since March, when he reportedly raised the possibility of leaving the club amid interest from Real Madrid.

The midfielder’s agent, Javier Pastore, subsequently claimed that his client was underpaid and wanted to leave following what was described as a difficult campaign for Chelsea.

Chelsea demand £120m for Fernandez

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and ended the campaign without a trophy after losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez, Chelsea have maintained their valuation of the 25-year-old at £120 million.

Real Madrid have reportedly indicated that they have no intention of signing the midfielder, leaving Manchester City as the only known potential suitor.

City, however, have yet to indicate whether they would be prepared to meet Chelsea’s asking price as they also pursue Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi.

Friday deadline set for interested clubs

According to BBC Sport, Chelsea have set 5pm BST on Friday as the deadline for clubs to submit offers for Fernandez.

The club are reportedly prepared to stand firm on their £120 million valuation despite having paid £107 million to sign the midfielder from Benfica in 2023.

Chelsea believe they have given Fernandez and potential suitors sufficient time to complete a deal, with the deadline intended to end the uncertainty surrounding his future before the new season begins.

Alonso discusses Fernandez’s future

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken to Fernandez about his future at the club but has declined to disclose details of their conversation.

Chelsea have also made it clear that they are prepared to reintegrate the midfielder fully into the squad if no suitable offer is received.

The club continue to regard Fernandez as an important member of the squad and are willing to retain him should interested clubs fail to meet their valuation.

Fernandez returns to Chelsea training

Fernandez enjoyed a productive individual campaign last season, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in 54 appearances for Chelsea.

He subsequently helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after Fernandez was sent off.

The midfielder returned to Chelsea training this week for the first time under Alonso.

His immediate future at Stamford Bridge is now expected to be determined by Friday’s deadline, with Chelsea awaiting a formal offer that meets their £120 million valuation.