Manchester City have opened negotiations with Chelsea to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez, in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest storylines of transfer deadline day. Chelsea are holding out for a minimum of £120m, and the deal matters both financially and sportingly, as it would rank among the most expensive transfers in Premier League history and reunite Fernandez with City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea.

Fernandez, 25, is understood to be open to the move, with personal terms not expected to be a sticking point if the clubs can agree a fee. It would potentially be City's second transfer-record-breaking deal of the summer, following the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson, and would come amid heavy midfield turnover at both clubs, including Chelsea's departures of Reijnders, Rodri, Nico Gonzalez and Bernardo Silva. Fernandez's relationship with Chelsea has grown strained since their Champions League exit to PSG in March, during which speculation also linked him with Real Madrid, though that club denied any approach.