Enzo Maresca has confirmed Manchester City are looking to add "one or two captains" before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández identified as a prime target.
Leadership void after summer exits
City's squad has lost significant leadership and experience this summer through the departures of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, John Stones, and Nathan Aké. Maresca has already named Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland as captains but wants to bolster the group with more players capable of taking on the role.
Fernández, who has captained Chelsea, is one player the Italian manager has identified. Although Chelsea's deadline of 14 August for a bid to be lodged passed without one, City are still expected to make a move for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Maresca's comments on leadership
Speaking generally about the issue, Maresca said: "We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four-five more days when the transfer window closes if we can add one or two more captains to Rúben and Erling."
The pursuit of Fernández follows the departures of Rodri and Nico González, leaving City short in midfield. Another forward may also be recruited given Omar Marmoush's expected move to Tottenham, with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo being monitored.
Marmoush and Grealish futures
"I think Omar is set to leave. It's not done yet but we are waiting for that," Maresca said. The manager also suggested Jack Grealish, who is of interest to Sunderland as a loan, may depart. "Jack is here until the day that he's not here," said Maresca. "It's my duty to try to help him to give us the best and then we'll see in the next four-five days what happens."
Matheus Nunes is a doubt for City's trip to Crystal Palace on Friday, adding to the squad's current uncertainty as the deadline approaches.
