Enzo Fernandez in Manchester City talks as Chelsea hold out for £120m fee

Manchester City are still in negotiations with Chelsea over a deal for Enzo Fernandez. The 25-year-old Argentina midfielder was absent from Xabi Alonso's squad for the home Carabao Cup tie against Luton, and his omission only strengthens the sense that a move from Stamford Bridge to the Etihad could be completed before the window shuts.

• Manchester City are expected to table a fresh offer for Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea demanding £120m.
• The midfielder was left out of the squad to face Luton despite Alonso saying a day earlier that he expected him to be involved.
• If completed, the deal would make Fernandez City's record signing, surpassing the £116m paid for Elliot Anderson.
• Chelsea are considering a move for Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a replacement, with a bid above £80m likely needed.

Why Enzo Fernandez missed Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie against Luton

Fernandez's absence from Chelsea's first competitive home game of the season did not go unnoticed. The previous day, Xabi Alonso had told reporters he expected the midfielder to be part of the squad. Before kick-off, however, the Spanish coach reversed course and explained his thinking to Sky Sports.

We assessed situations, individual and collective, and we have decided he is not in the squad for today.

Alonso named a strong side for the match, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers both starting, but opted not to risk a player whose move to Manchester City looks increasingly likely.

Manchester City ready to make record bid for Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Maresca's side has not given up on the World Cup winner. Even after missing an informal deadline earlier in the month, City are expected to come back with another offer. Chelsea are in no rush and are holding out for £120m, a figure that would set a new benchmark in Manchester.

City's current record outlay is the £116m they spent on Elliot Anderson earlier this summer. Should the Fernandez move go through, the club would surpass that mark and take its midfield spending to around £300m in this window alone.

Manchester City's midfield rebuild after the Guardiola era

The potential signing of Fernandez is part of a summer of sweeping change at City. Pep Guardiola's departure opened a new chapter, and it was followed by the exits of long-serving figures such as Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

To balance the books, City have brought in around £165m through the sales of Rodri to Barcelona, Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi side Al-Qadsiah and Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. Maresca has also added 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86m, shortly after Anderson's arrival.

Alex Scott emerges as Chelsea's target if Fernandez leaves

Chelsea do not want to be caught short if the transfer goes through. Should Fernandez depart, the club is prepared to return to Bournemouth for Alex Scott. The Cherries have so far rejected all interest, but those at Stamford Bridge believe a bid above £80m, and likely closer to £90m, could force a rethink.

Enzo Fernandez's relationship with Chelsea supporters

Fernandez has experienced a mixed reception in recent weeks. During Monday's Premier League opener at Fulham, he was booed by home fans at Craven Cottage for his part in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England. When he came on, however, Chelsea's travelling support offered a warmer response.

That contrasted with the jeers he had received during a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge. Asked whether he wanted to keep Fernandez, Alonso kept his cards close to his chest: "We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."