Manchester City are assessing Enzo Fernandez as they prepare for a possible major change in midfield.
New manager Enzo Maresca knows the Argentina international well from their time together at Chelsea. The potential move is closely linked to Rodri’s future.
The Spain international has entered the final year of his Manchester City contract and could leave this summer.
Barcelona have emerged as his preferred destination after Real Madrid’s earlier pursuit stalled. City have rejected Barcelona’s opening offer and want a significantly higher fee.
However, the uncertainty has forced Hugo Viana and Maresca to consider possible replacements before the window closes. Fernandez has now made his own feelings clear.
According to TEAMtalk, Enzo Fernandez would welcome a move to Manchester City and the opportunity to work with Maresca again.
Maresca rates the 25-year-old highly and sees him as a strong option for City’s midfield. However, City face a major obstacle before any deal can progress.
Chelsea have no desire to lose an important player cheaply, particularly to a direct Premier League rival.
The report states that City would need to submit a substantial offer to change Chelsea’s position.
Fernandez remains a key player at Stamford Bridge and still has a lengthy contract with the London club.
Chelsea are therefore expected to resist any approach unless the financial package becomes impossible to ignore.
With little time remaining in the window, negotiations would also need to progress quickly.
City have yet to make a formal bid, and their next move could depend heavily on Rodri. If the Spaniard stays, a move for Fernandez becomes less likely.
However, should Rodri leave for Barcelona, City could accelerate their pursuit. Fernandez has already indicated that he would be receptive to the switch, leaving the two clubs to negotiate an agreement.
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