Transfer Deadline Day has come early for Chelsea as they attempt to resolve Enzo Fernandez’s future one way or another.

Were the 25-year-old to join Man City, he will be reunited with the former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, though time is running out for a deal to completed.

So, with an imposed deadline set, what does the next few hours look like regarding this transfer saga?

The deadline comes alongside Chelsea’s asking price of £120million, meaning Man City will have to shatter their transfer record twice in the same summer after spending £116m on Elliot Anderson.

Chelsea have made it clear. They will not sanction Fernandez' sale until summer 2027 at the earliest, if Friday’s aforementioned deadline passes without any formal offers.

That said, it is unclear whether the Blues would soften their stance if bids at a lower value were made or offers were lodged after Friday’s deadline.

Maresca has said he doesn't expect Man City to complete any transfer business on Friday, providing a fresh twist to the saga.

Now, Maresca was said to have been smiling while delivering his response so it could be a case of keeping his cards close to his chest.

Reunion? Enzo Maresca and Enzo Fernandez

Getty

Standard Sport reported on Thursday that such reports of City making a £102.5m bid for Fernandez and communicating it to Chelsea were inaccurate.

In fact, as of 5pm on August 14 - 24 hours before their arbitrary deadline - Chelsea had received no bids for Fernandez.

Now, according to reports in Italy, via Gianluca Di Marzio, Man City’s offer of £120m for Fernandez is 'ready', but will it be submitted before 5pm BST?