Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has publicly stated that his side will not pursue a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this transfer window.

Chelsea had reportedly set a firm deadline of 17:00 BST on Friday, August 14, for any club wishing to sanction a deal for the Argentine international.

City were informed that a transfer would not be sanctioned unless a bid of €140 million was submitted before that cutoff time.

The significant price tag placed on Fernandez reflects Chelsea’s reluctance to lose one of their most influential midfielders without receiving full market value in return.

Maresca’s comments appear to draw a clear line under City’s interest, signalling that the club is unwilling to meet Chelsea’s steep valuation for the player.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, adding further intrigue to what has been a busy window at Stamford Bridge.

The France international has been linked with a departure from Chelsea following the arrival of Marco Palestra from Atalanta, which has increased competition for places in the defensive positions.

Gusto’s potential exit would represent another significant piece of business for Chelsea as they continue to reshape their squad under the current sporting structure.

In a separate development, Chelsea are close to agreeing a significant permanent deal to send young midfielder Omari Kellyman to sister club Strasbourg.

Cardiff had previously hoped to bring the 20-year-old back on loan, but a permanent move to Strasbourg is now considered the most concrete option for his development.

The Kellyman deal highlights how Chelsea continue to use their multi-club network to manage their large squad of players and ensure young talents receive regular first-team minutes.

With the transfer window continuing to move at pace, Chelsea’s business across multiple fronts suggests a period of considerable squad transition at the club.

The combination of the Fernandez standoff, the Gusto interest from Liverpool, and the Kellyman agreement underlines just how active Chelsea remain as they finalise their summer planning.

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