Blues signed the World Cup-winning midfielder for £106.8m in 2023.

Chelsea have imposed a firm deadline for any club looking to sign Enzo Fernandez in this summer’s transfer window.

The Argentina international has drawn interest during the current window, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City linked with a move for the midfielder.

In an effort to bring the prolonged speculation to a close, Standard Sport understands that the Blues have told interested clubs they must meet their £120million valuation for the 25-year-old by Friday at 5pm BST.

Standard Sport had reported earlier this summer that Chelsea had put a £120m price tag on Fernandez, and no formal bids have yet been lodged for the midfielder.

That situation could still shift before Friday. City remain keen on the player despite having signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for what was then a British transfer record of £116million, while Enzo Maresca’s side are also continuing talks with Lille over a deal for 18-year-old Moroccan talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed at the recent World Cup. Fernandez himself was sent off in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final.

City could yet allow 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to leave, with Barcelona showing interest. Fabrizio Romano reported that the La Liga club tabled a €60m offer on Tuesday, though the Premier League champions are believed to be holding out for more.

Chelsea, meanwhile, as they prepare for Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge, surpassed City’s Anderson deal by signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m. They have also most recently confirmed the arrival of Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano to strengthen competition at left-back after Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.

The Blues have further added Danny Welbeck from Brighton, Jordan Henderson from Sunderland, Marco Palestra from Atalanta and Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, while Geovany Quenda, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev have all completed previously agreed moves to Stamford Bridge.