Manchester City are preparing for life after Rodri as uncertainty grows over the midfielder’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League champions have already accepted that Rodri could leave after he refused to sign a new contract.
His current deal expires in June 2027, and interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid has intensified in recent weeks.
City have already strengthened several areas of Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer.
Elliot Anderson arrived in a club-record deal from Nottingham Forest, while Mathys Detourbet and Jeremy Monga joined as exciting young prospects.
Vitor Reis has also returned from his loan spell at Girona as Maresca continues to reshape the squad. The club has also enjoyed a positive pre-season tour of Asia.
City drew 1-1 with Inter Milan before losing on penalties, then responded with a 3-1 victory over the K-League All Stars.
They now face Atletico Madrid before returning to England for the Community Shield.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio (via Mundo Deportivo), Enzo Fernandez has emerged as Manchester City’s leading target to replace Rodri.
The Chelsea midfielder is reportedly a specific request from Maresca, who worked closely with the Argentina international during his time at Stamford Bridge.
City had also considered Lille youngster Ayoub Bouaddi, but the French club remain reluctant to sell despite the player’s reported desire to leave.
That has pushed Fernandez to the top of City’s shortlist. However, completing the deal will not be easy.
Fernandez is under contract with Chelsea until 2032, and the London club have no intention of letting him leave cheaply.
The report claims Chelsea would only consider offers worth more than €100 million.
Rodri’s expected departure has forced City to accelerate their search for a new midfield leader.
While Barcelona and Real Madrid continue negotiations over the Spain international, Maresca has already identified the player he believes can fill one of the biggest roles in European football.
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