Chelsea asked for shock Man City star during Enzo Fernandez transfer talks
Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Man City in deadline day (Photo: Getty) Chelsea proposed a sensational swap deal with Manchester City before transfer deadline day, according to reports. The end of the summer transfer window proved incredibly chaotic for Xabi Alonso’s side, who finally sold Enzo Fernandez to City for a joint-British record £125milllion. They were however unable to sign a replacement, with a £47m move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara falling through after the initial deadline had passed. But this was not the only proposed transfer that failed to materialise, as Enzo Maresca also had his eye on two more of his former Chelsea players. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto were both viewed as ideal players for Maresca’s rebuild at the Etihad, but the Citizens were not willing to pay the Blues’ valuation for either. Gusto was priced at £80m and it is reported that while the two clubs were in negotiations for Fernandez, Chelsea suggested a separate swap deal involving the right-back. As per The Athletic, City claim that Chelsea said they would sanction the departure of Gusto in exchange for the full £80m AND England left-back Nico O’Reilly. Man City wanted to sign Malo Gusto, who Chelsea value at £80m (Photo: Getty) Chelsea themselves claim that the France international is and was never for sale. Both full-backs have remained at their respective clubs and it’s hard to imagine the Citizens being willing to let O’Reilly leave. The City academy graduate has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past two seasons was recently named Premier League and PFA Young Player of the Year for 2025/26. Nico O’Reilly was named Premier League and PFA Young Player of the Season (Photo: Getty) The 21-year-old, who can also play in midfield, is already England’s first choice left-back, starred at the World Cup and has started City’s first three games of the season. Meanwhile, Gusto has also started Chelsea’s opening three games and it would be a surprise to see him dropped for Sunday’s huge clash at champions Arsenal. Additionally, it is reported that the Blues wanted Ayyoub Bouaddi to replace Fernandez and asked the Citizens to back away from signing the teenager – only for him to move to the Etihad anyway in a deal worth up to £86m. Again, Chelsea dispute this claim. In any case, Fernandez is set to make his City debut when Maresca’s side host Frank Lampard’s Coventry City on Saturday. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
