Maresca pushes for Manchester City reunion with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City have identified Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as their preferred option to replace Rodri, who is reportedly edging closer to a move to Barcelona this summer.

Transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio says City are considering a move for the Argentina international as they prepare for the potential departure of their influential midfielder. The proposed transfer would also reunite Fernandez with Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him at Chelsea.

“Enzo Maresca, City’s manager, wants only to sign Enzo. The pair have already worked together at Chelsea, and there is a strong understanding between them,” Di Marzio said on his official website.

Fernandez, 25, remains under contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2032. However, a deal would be complicated by the London club’s valuation of the player and his importance to their plans under head coach Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea regard Fernandez as a central figure in their new sporting project and are believed to place a very high value on the midfielder. That stance means it is not yet clear whether negotiations with Manchester City could even begin.

“Although Maresca’s appreciation of the Argentine player is beyond dispute, it remains unclear whether it will be possible to open negotiations with Chelsea,” Di Marzio added.

The report says that the possibility of a transfer to City still needs to be explored, with no indication that an agreement has been reached between the clubs. Nevertheless, Maresca is said to be particularly keen on bringing Fernandez to the Etihad.

“The possibility of a potential deal with Manchester City still needs to be explored, but Maresca dreams of signing Enzo,” the transfer expert concluded.

The move would depend first on Rodri’s expected exit. The Spain midfielder is said to be very close to strengthening Barcelona’s squad this summer, although the article does not state that the transfer has been completed.

City have therefore begun identifying a possible successor, with Fernandez emerging as the name favoured by Maresca. The manager’s previous relationship with the Chelsea midfielder is a key part of the appeal, but Chelsea’s position could prove decisive in determining whether the idea develops into formal talks.

Fernandez’s long-term contract and his status as an important part of Chelsea’s plans make any potential agreement with City difficult. For now, the proposed move remains an option under consideration rather than a completed transfer.