Maresca Addresses Enzo Fernandez Transfer Rumors Amid Chelsea Deadline

Enzo Maresca has poured cold water on talk of a dramatic deadline-day move for Enzo Fernandez, insisting Manchester City are not planning any business on Friday despite a looming cut-off set by Chelsea.

City have been heavily linked with the Argentina midfielder, but time is almost up. Chelsea have made their stance clear: any bids for Fernandez must land by 5pm BST on Friday, August 14, with an asking price fixed at £120 million.

Speaking ahead of City’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal this weekend, Maresca was pressed on whether fans should expect a reunion with Fernandez and a big-name arrival before the day is out.

“Not today, to be honest. I don't think we're going to do something today,” the Italian said in his Friday morning press conference.

He then shut the door on any detailed discussion of the World Cup winner.

“In this moment, again, I have to give you the same answer since day one. It will always be the same. It's a player from another club, I don't think it's correct to talk about him.

“At the same time, I don't think it's correct for other clubs to speak about our players. That's why I'm not going to say anything about players that aren't with us.”

So while the clock ticks on Chelsea’s self-imposed 5pm deadline, City’s manager is publicly steering clear of the chase and any hint of last-minute drama.

Reijnders set for Saudi switch

One deal Maresca does expect to move quickly is Tijjani Reijnders’ proposed transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, after a £51.2m agreement was reached on Thursday.

“Tij is not officially done, but we'll see in the next hour,” Maresca said. “I already spoke with him a few times in pre-season, then we will see if he is going to leave or if he is going to stay.”

Maresca has liked what he has seen from the Dutchman over the summer.

“In the way he was playing in the pre-season games, I was quite happy with his performance overall. I know Tij from Italy, from Milan when he was there so I know him quite well.

“I know there he was playing in a different position, he likes to play a little more deep rather than high up the pitch, but again in the pre-season he was good, then we'll see what happens and we'll decide.”

City’s manager may be braced for one midfield departure, then, but as Chelsea’s clock runs down on Fernandez, the champions look set to ride out deadline day without the blockbuster signing many expected.