Manchester City manager-elect Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to bring Enzo Fernandez to the Etihad Stadium, according to ESPN Argentina journalist Gustavo Yarroch. The move would see Maresca reunite with a player he previously managed at Chelsea.
Maresca recently agreed in principle to replace Pep Guardiola as City manager this summer, following Guardiola’s announcement that he will step down after ten years. Having previously served as Guardiola’s assistant, Maresca is now looking to shape his own squad and has identified Fernandez as a key target.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in February 2023 for a fee of £107 million, but has experienced a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge. The Argentina international expressed his disappointment following Maresca’s departure from Chelsea in March, stating he ‘didn’t understand’ the decision. This sentiment could make a move to Manchester City appealing for the midfielder.
Chelsea are expected to consider offers in the region of £87-100 million for Fernandez, and the club’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, will have a say in any potential departures. However, Maresca’s arrival at City could prove a significant pull factor for the player.
Beyond Fernandez, Maresca is also believed to be interested in bringing Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Joao Pedro from Chelsea to Manchester City, as reported by The Daily Mirror. Palmer, a former City academy graduate, could be particularly tempted by a return to the club. Pedro, despite recently being named Chelsea’s player of the year, has also been linked with a move. These potential moves could test the relationship between the two clubs, as Chelsea will be reluctant to strengthen a direct rival.
City had previously identified Sandro Tonali as a potential midfield target, but have switched focus to Fernandez as an alternative. The potential arrival of Fernandez would bolster City’s midfield options as they look to continue their dominance in English and European football.
