Enzo Maresca has reportedly advised Manchester City to pursue Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez if Rodri departs this summer. According to The Independent, the City boss is keen to reunite with the Argentine, having worked with him at Stamford Bridge.
Rodri's potential exit intensifies
Rodri has long expressed interest in returning to Spain, and after stalled talks with Real Madrid, he has verbally agreed to join Barcelona following discussions with head coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona's opening bid of nearly £40 million was rejected by City, who are holding out for more than £60 million.
Should a fee be agreed, City would need a replacement, especially after Bernardo Silva's departure to Real Madrid earlier this summer. Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked, but Maresca is pushing for Fernandez.
Fernandez's situation at Chelsea
The 25-year-old has not yet reported back to Chelsea after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina, and he has indicated a desire to leave. Chelsea, under new boss Xabi Alonso, want to keep him and value him at £120 million. Real Madrid have publicly ruled out a move.
Midfield partner Moises Caicedo expressed his hope that Fernandez stays, saying, 'I love Enzo, he knows I have a lot of respect for him because, as we know, the player is not just a player, he is a great person. I want him to stay, but I’m not going to talk about that because if he stays here, it’s going to be massive for us.'
Fernandez's recent form
Last season, Fernandez scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions, though Chelsea had a disappointing campaign despite reaching the FA Cup final. At the World Cup, he scored key goals against Egypt and England but was sent off in the final after two yellow cards.
City have already invested heavily in midfield, signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. They are also linked with Chelsea's Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto, who could be sold for the right price.
