Real Madrid have stated that they do not plan to pursue Fernandez, making Manchester City the only publicly known possible destination. City are now managed by Enzo Maresca, who departed Chelsea midway through the previous campaign.
It is not yet known whether City are prepared to match the asking price. The Manchester club are also believed to be interested in Lille’s Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi.
Chelsea will accept bids until 17:00 BST on Friday and are likely to maintain their £120m valuation, despite having paid Benfica £107m for the midfielder in 2023.
By setting the deadline, Chelsea hope to resolve the situation before the new season begins. Fernandez and interested clubs have had roughly 60 days to arrange a transfer at a fee the club regards as reasonable.
New head coach Xabi Alonso has discussed Fernandez’s future with him, although he has chosen not to reveal what was said.
Chelsea are understood to have told Fernandez that he can return fully to the first-team squad and retain an important role if no transfer takes place.
The midfielder recorded 15 goals and seven assists across 54 club appearances last season. He later played a part in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final but was dismissed during their 1-0 defeat by Spain.
Fernandez resumed training with Chelsea this week, marking his first session under Alonso.
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