Maresca chooses Rodri's replacement at Manchester City

The Italian coach wants to strengthen his midfield as soon as the departure of the Spaniard occurs.

Héctor Andreu | 7 Aug 2026 | 12.05
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Maresca wants Enzo Fernández for Rodri / Independent
Maresca wants Enzo Fernández for Rodri / Independent

Premier League
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Fulham Chelsea
24/08/26 21:00:00
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Enzo Fernández, a 25-year-old Argentine midfielder from Chelsea, emerges as the prime target in this Manchester City transfer market to bolster their midfield due to a potential departure of Rodri Hernández. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Enzo Maresca aims to reunite this summer with a footballer he previously coached at Stamford Bridge.

The deal is not yet in the agreement phase between clubs. Chelsea holds Fernández under contract until June 2032 with a strong negotiating stance, valuing him around 120 million pounds, about 140 million euros as reported by various sources.

Enzo Fernández is Enzo Maresca's request to Manchester City

The interest is directly linked to Enzo Maresca. The current Manchester City manager worked with Fernández during their time at Chelsea and maintains a good professional relationship with the Argentine international.

Maresca took charge of City on June 29 with a contract until 2029 after Pep Guardiola's departure. One of his initial decisions in midfield planning was to keep Enzo Fernández among the players suitable for his squad.

This summer is not the first time they have been linked. In May, reports surfaced about City's interest, but back then, English sources claimed the club's priority was Elliot Anderson, ruling out an immediate move for the Argentine.

The situation could now change due to Rodri's future. The Spanish midfielder has allowed talks with Barcelona for a potential exit, although he is under contract with City until 2027. This scenario prompts the English club to prepare alternatives for a position that might be vacant before the start of the Premier League.

Chelsea sets a barrier of about 140 million

The main obstacle for Manchester City would be financial. Enzo Fernández is valued at around 90 million euros, but Chelsea is reportedly willing to consider offers only close to 120 million pounds, approximately 140 million euros.

Additionally, the duration of the contract eases pressure on the London club. Fernández signed until 2032 when he joined from Benfica in January 2023, giving Chelsea six more seasons of contractual control. It's worth noting that Real Madrid ruled out his signing a few weeks ago.

Furthermore, Fernández plays a significant role in the squad, leading City to consider a substantial investment to persuade a direct Premier League rival to sell one of their key midfielders.

An operation directly linked to Rodri's future

The negotiation will heavily rely on Rodri Hernández's situation. Barcelona has intensified efforts for the Spanish midfielder this week, but his departure from City still necessitates an agreement between clubs.

If Rodri does leave, City will have a clearer need in midfield, potentially prompting Maresca to push for Enzo Fernández. The next step would be to see if City is ready to meet Chelsea's valuation or if the financial gap keeps the operation as one of the key targets of the market.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Maresca elige al sustituto de Rodri en el Manchester City