Manchester City are assessing a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as they brace for a significant midfield shake-up this summer. According to The Independent, City have begun exploring the possibility of signing the Argentine following Rodri’s growing desire to join Barcelona after guiding Spain to World Cup glory. [Flick Made Rodri His Priority as Barcelona Push to Land Spain’s World Cup Winner]
The departures do not stop at Rodri. Bernardo Silva has already agreed a move to Real Madrid, and while Elliot Anderson arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116m, City’s head coach Enzo Maresca wants further reinforcement in the centre of the pitch.
Maresca Connection Drives Interest
Maresca’s familiarity with Fernandez is central to City’s pursuit. The new Etihad boss worked closely with the 25-year-old during his time at Stamford Bridge before moving to Manchester this summer, and The Independent reports he views Fernandez as a strong fit for the system he intends to build.
Fernandez scored 16 goals and contributed nine assists across all competitions last season, a return that came despite considerable turbulence at Chelsea. He has operated mainly as a number ten and a box-to-box midfielder at Stamford Bridge, though City are said to see scope for using him in a deeper position as well, particularly if Anderson is given licence to advance.
Chelsea’s Asking Price and Xabi Alonso’s Stance
Chelsea place a valuation of around £120 million on Fernandez, a figure likely to test most clubs’ appetite. The Blues signed him for £106m in January 2023, and new manager Xabi Alonso is understood to want the player as a cornerstone of his rebuild.
Chelsea’s position may prove the biggest obstacle. EPL Index, via Yahoo Sports, notes that Alonso’s preference is to retain Fernandez, even though there has been prior speculation about the midfielder’s long-term future at the club.
A Complicated World Cup Summer
Fernandez’s recent profile is not without complication. He produced decisive moments for Argentina during their run to the final, including an equaliser in the semi-final win over England, but The Independent reports he received a red card in the final after collecting a second yellow card, a moment that contributed to Argentina’s defeat to Spain.
He was also suspended at club level last season following public comments about his future. Fernandez has not yet reported for Chelsea’s pre-season, though he was pictured training alone in footage he shared himself, with a return to the squad expected shortly.
Sky Sports’ Paper Talk also flagged City’s interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto around the same period, suggesting the club is scouring Stamford Bridge for more than one potential signing this window.
Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation, per The Independent, and could pivot to Fernandez themselves if their own pursuit of Rodri fails to materialise.
