Enzo Maresca has identified Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as his primary option to replace Rodri at Manchester City this summer. Barcelona have had an opening bid of £38.5 million for Rodri rejected, with City holding out for closer to £60 million. However, with only one year left on Rodri's contract and his recovery from a serious knee injury, City are open to selling at the right price.
City's interest in Fernandez
Maresca, who is preparing for his first season as Pep Guardiola's successor, views Fernandez as the ideal replacement for the World Cup Golden Ball winner. The Italian previously worked with Fernandez during his tenure as Chelsea boss, and according to The Independent, City are already exploring a potential move for the Argentine.
Fernandez has not yet reported for Chelsea this summer after playing a pivotal role in Argentina's journey to the World Cup final. The 25-year-old scored crucial goals in the knockout stages, including a spectacular strike in the dramatic comeback against England in the semi-finals. However, he arguably cost his nation a fourth world title after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
Financial considerations
Chelsea paid £106 million for Fernandez in 2023 and would seek a profit if they were to consider selling him this summer. The midfielder was sanctioned earlier this year after his desire to leave the London club became public. Former boss Liam Rosenior was also forced to strip him of the vice-captaincy before being sacked following a poor run of results. Chelsea are reportedly demanding £120 million for Fernandez.
New Blues boss Xabi Alonso has not been able to train with the midfielder during his short tenure but has made it clear he wants him to stay. Speaking in July, Alonso said: "Yes we have spoken. But as you can imagine what we have spoken remains private," and when pressed on whether he wanted Fernandez to stay, he replied "yes".
City's squad needs
City have already broken their transfer record this summer by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. But with the departure of Bernardo Silva and the expected exit of Rodri, more cover is needed before the Premier League season begins. They have also been linked with Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, who impressed at the World Cup with Morocco, but his £86 million valuation has stalled talks.
Speaking after City's most recent pre-season friendly, Maresca admitted the club still had work to do to replace several senior players. "Fortunately this is a squad that doesn't need to do many things," he told media at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's clash with K-League All Stars. "At the same time, we already know the squad lost some important players with experience with Bernardo, John [Stones], Nathan [Ake]…different players. For sure, there are things we need to do."
He added: "The reason I said there are things to do is because the transfer window is open and when it is open, anything can happen. It is August and then from September, when it's closed, it is completely different."
