Manchester City

BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discussed Manchester City's late move for Chelsea's £120m-rated Enzo Fernandez, despite already signing midfielders Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer.

As reported by BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, Enzo Maresca is keen to reunite with his former player, who is also open to moving to Etihad Stadium.

"He is a player they have been looking at all summer, yet they have decided to negotiate with less than 24 hours of the transfer window left," said The Observer's Rory Smith. "It is nonsensical.

"I don't think he is worth £120m, despite being a really good footballer. I get that Maresca trusts and likes him - he obviously has a profile he thinks he needs - but they have already signed Anderson and Bouaddi.

"They can afford it with their revenues, but I don't understand why they are moving for him now and not in July when his price was exactly the same."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "It is about having the strongest squad to give them the best possible chance of challenging. The money really doesn't matter."

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock agreed, stating: "If your director of football is saying 'I can give you this player' then you don't need to care about the fee.

"The fee is irrelevant as long as the club has agreed to get the player through the door."

Listen to the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

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We asked you what transfer business Manchester City need to complete before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline.

Here are some of your comments:

Pep: Pep had stated previously that he felt the overall squad was too big. However, we have lost players in key positions without really replacing them. My biggest concern is the lack of depth in defence, Ake, Akanji and Stones gone and no new defensive players brought in. We need one more, I believe. We appear to be looking for a replacement for Marmoush, which is wise.

Roger: I'd like to to see another striker, left-back and right-back come in. A true creative midfielder is essential.

Sam: So far, City's signings have looked promising. We just need a proper replacement for Marmoush, given the departure of Grealish is also highly likely.

David: We still need an international right-back and left-back. We need a steady defence (up front is fine).

Harry: We still need a winger/striker back-up for Haaland. We also need two or three more midfielders minimum, alongside a right-back to support Nunes after seeing Khusanov at RB fail horrendously.

Liam: We are still in desperate need of a specialist right-back. We can't keep putting square pegs in round holes. Also, if we are going to bring in a central midfielder, I'd love to see Alex Scott from Bournemouth - but would take anyone rather than Enzo Fernandez!

Tuesday is the final chance of the summer for your Premier League team to do transfer business.

The window closes at 23:00 BST, so teams - and fans - could be in for a late-night transfer scramble.

It has already been a busy window, but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea in their bid to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

In what is set to be one of the key narratives on transfer deadline day, City have set the wheels in motion towards what would be one of the most expensive deals of the summer.

It is understood Chelsea want a minimum of £120m for Fernandez and talks are under way as both clubs negotiate a price.

Fernandez, 25, worked with City manager Enzo Maresca during the Italian's reign at Chelsea.

Maresca is keen to work with the Argentina international again, while Fernandez is open to a move to City.

It now remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree a price to unlock the deal.

If the clubs can reach an agreement, the deal is expected to be completed rapidly, with personal terms not an issue.

Read more on the story

Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to £65m to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.

The clubs reached an agreement on a deal worth a guaranteed £60m plus a further £5m in add-ons for the Senegal winger.

The news comes after Tottenham agreed deals with Everton on Friday night for Ndiaye to join the London club, with Richarlison moving the other way in a separate transfer.

However, sources are indicating Richarlison failed to agree personal terms with former club Everton, who are understood to have made a £35m offer for the Brazil forward.

As a result, Tottenham have been unable to proceed with the Ndiaye transfer.

In an emotional statement on Instagram on Monday, Richarlison said: "After everything I've been through in the last few years, I've decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me.

"If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club.

"My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that.

"Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club's disposal."

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Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski from the Manchester Evening News joined BBC Radio Manchester's Mark Crossley and ex-Premier League boss Phil Brown to discuss the arrival of Allan Elias and a remarkable transfer window.

"They last few days of the window will be huge, they're bringing in the winger Allan Elias but they need at least two more," said Bajkowski.

"I think Enzo Fernandez is going to be one of them - I think he'll be Enzo Marseca's man. He's bringing in his general, probably the guy to become one of the captains for City this season.

"But then they need more on top of that, whether that's Ndiaye or Cody Gakpo. It's going to be an eventful few days."

Hit play below to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

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It's been a busy summer on the blue side of Manchester.

A new boss, £236m spent in the summer window and a steady £286m raised from outgoing players.

Enzo Maresca has introduced six new players to the Etihad this season, with the latest being Allan Elias from Palmeiras.

As City introduce fresh new talent to the Premier League, they see experienced winners leave the club, which remarkably results in a starting XI that some sides would be envious about.

The sold starting XI seen below collated 347 appearances in Pep Guardiola's final season at City in all competitions.

Out of the 11 players, Tijjani Reijnders endured the shortest period at City after he joined the club in June 2025.

Although James Trafford signed with the club in July 2025, he was part of City's academy before permanently joining Burnley for a season.

In fact, Trafford played under Maresca when the Italian was in charge of City's development squad.

Then there's John Stones - the 'Barnsley Beckenbauer' - who proved himself to be one of City's recent greats with his performances over a nine-year period.

The list goes on: Rodri, a Ballon d'Or winner, Bernardo Silva, a workhorse on the pitch and one of Guardiola's most trusted lieutenants.

Some City fans will find some goodbyes easier than others, but for now they are embarking on a new era, with a new team.

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"I will give absolutely everything to make the most of this opportunity," Manchester City's newest signing Allan Elias has said.

The 22-year-old winger has left his boyhood club Palmeiras and penned a five-year deal at Etihad Stadium, becoming the club's sixth summer signing.

Making his first-team debut in January 2025, Allan racked up 96 appearances for the Brazilian top-flight club, scoring nine goals and registering 12 assists.

"This is a surreal moment for me," Allan said. "Manchester City, with everything they have won over the past 15 years, are one of the most attractive clubs in the world for players.

"To be able to sit here and say I have joined them is the proudest moment of my life.

"I love Palmeiras - and I always will - but the decision to come to Manchester City was an easy one. I want to be the best footballer I can be and the conversations I've had convinced me that there isn't a better place to fulfil my ambitions.

"I want to promise the fans that I will give absolutely everything to make the most of this opportunity. Now the hard work begins. I will make the best case possible to the manager that I should be playing.

"My intention is to help this club continue winning trophies. If I can do that, it would be a dream come true."

Director of football Hugo Viana said: "He is a really exciting player. We think he will be a big addition to the squad.

"He has shown throughout his career so far that he will fight to be the best he can be. We watched his progress in Brazil and we saw a player that thrives in the big moments and works hard for the team with a superb attitude."

What transfer business do City still need to do - both in and out - before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline? Let us know here

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Enzo Fernandez missed Chelsea's win over Brighton on Sunday and his future is under increasing uncertainty, having been linked with a big-money move to Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca worked with the Argentina midfielder at Chelsea and needs to bolster his ranks following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders this summer.

Any potential move is likely to be a club record deal, surpassing the £116m paid for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

City have opened talks with Liverpool about signing attacker Cody Gakpo and the Netherlands international is open to the move.

But Liverpool would only be willing to sanction the transfer if they can bring in one more attacking player, in addition to Bradley Barcola.

Spurs are also interested but City are willing to offer a deal worth about £85m and sources indicate that Etihad Stadium is Gakpo's preferred destination.

Meanwhile, Everton are growing increasingly confident of completing a loan deal to bring Jack Grealish back from Manchester City, although the precise terms of any agreement remain complicated as the England international enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

Grealish has prioritised a return to Everton, where he spent last season on loan, over the option of rejoining his boyhood club Aston Villa, who have also expressed an interest.

What do City still need to do - in terms of incomings and outgoings - before the window shuts? Have your say

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Moments after Manchester City had put down their first heavyweight marker of the post-Pep Guardiola era by brushing aside Crystal Palace, Rayan Cherki was asked live on TV how much he enjoyed the game. Rather than providing the usual textbook answer, he instead gave a colourfully uncomplimentary – and unprintable - description of his own first-half performance.

Erling Haaland, standing alongside Cherki as he waited to hand over the player-of-the-match award, could only laugh at the France attacker's sweary honesty.

Indeed, the 23-year-old also refuses to hide his talent, making a nonsense of his self-criticism by unveiling a Selhurst Park masterclass with two brilliant second-half goals in the 4-1 victory.

Cherki made his impact under Guardiola last season, although there was always a feeling the mercurial signing from Lyon for a bargain £30m could produce more. He made 33 Premier League appearances - but 14 of those were as a substitute.

And there is a sense that he already has something to prove under new boss Enzo Maresca amid City's vast attacking resources, coming off the bench to assist the two late goals that gave them victory against Bournemouth on the opening weekend.

Cherki was seen in animated conversation with Maresca after the final whistle, but his reward was a start at Selhurst Park and he delivered the sort of irresistible performance he, as well as City, needed.

Everton are working on a second loan deal for Manchester City forward Jack Grealish. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Jason: We created enough chances to get more from this match, but as usual failed to convert them. The team is behind in terms of coordination and understanding, i.e. playing as a team, due to lack of pre-season and ongoing transfers. It will get better, but I fear it may take a few more matches. We must get something from our next outing to Fulham!

Steve: We lack desire and talent. Some small glimpses on show, but we have an awful lot to do.

Cliff: Disappointing game. We gave the ball away too easily in midfield. Missed chances up front. New players did not impress. We need someone who can score goals.

Neil: Palace need a win to instil confidence, they lack a confident goalscorer. Another key factor is the increasing levels attainment in the league, even in the bottom half. I'm the most worried for years, the lack of investment coupled with an unproven manager. I hope I'm wrong?

Manchester City fans

Arthur: Man City were fantastic, the way they play the ball is brilliant, all the team members played well but Cherki and Haaland goals were brilliant and more signings come. Makes us so proud of you all, played superbly - well done City, you're the best.

Carl: Great performance, bit shaky to start but took control and it could have been six goals if Foden had finished them. It was nice to see him and Cherki play full games. They will only get better.

Harry: Very much a Man City performance. Remnants of Pep ball but with a lot more chaos. Tons of possession and looking a bit open at the back. It's a risky play style but can lead to brilliant match-ups like this. It was an incredibly strong performance away from home, many positives in the shape of Rayan Cherki and Haaland. Bouaddi looked excellent in his cameo, excited to see him and our academy lads going forward.

Brian: True grit and a will to win. Man City fought hard and played an attacking game to test a determined Crystal Palace defence. Man City are back to winning ways and that belief has transformed into success. Yes there will be tougher games but the message has been delivered Man City are back and back in style. The City fans are full of belief and voice.