Manchester City prioritise Enzo Fernández as Gakpo interest simmers
Manchester City are advancing their interest in Enzo Fernández this summer. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Sky Blues are preparing a formal bid in the coming days.
The Chelsea midfielder is understood to be open to a move to the Etihad. The obstacle remains the fee: Chelsea are holding out for a figure in the region of £120m and will only sell if the money is right and they can strengthen their own squad.
City’s pursuit of Fernández currently sits ahead of their interest in Cody Gakpo. While contact has been made with the Dutchman’s camp, no further progress has been reported.
Liverpool’s stance on Gakpo remains firm
Liverpool’s position is clear. Gakpo is not available until the club secures at least two new attacking options. Bradley Barcola is one target; others under consideration include Yankuba Minteh, Ibrahim Mbaye, or an alternative wide player still to emerge. There is also a strong case for reinforcing the centre-forward position before any departure is considered.
Club-to-club talks over Gakpo have not yet begun, according to The Athletic. Liverpool are expected to sanction a sale only once their minimum requirement of two new wingers is met. Even then, the asking price is likely to start at the level Tottenham paid for Sávio — an £85m package deal that sets a clear benchmark.
Can City stretch for both?
A deal for Fernández, combined with interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi, could push City’s spending towards £200m. Exits have created room: Sávio’s move to Tottenham, plus the departures of Rodri (Barcelona) and Tijjani Reijnders (Al-Qadsiah), among others, have given the club flexibility.
City therefore have the financial capacity to pursue Gakpo as well. Whether they are prepared to meet Liverpool’s valuation, and whether Liverpool will ultimately allow the sale once reinforcements arrive, remains the key question before the September 1 deadline.
Fernández currently looks the more advanced target. Gakpo’s future will be decided only after Liverpool have addressed their own attacking needs.
