Manchester City are showing an interest in Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to The Athletic.
The Cityzens are expecting to make changes to their squad in the upcoming transfer window, with the club confirming that iconic midfield star Bernardo Silva will depart when his contract expires, while there is speculation over the future of Rodri as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
The club are now eyeing a number of potential targets to come in and strengthen their midfield, and they have now turned their attention to Chelsea's vice-captain.
Man City Eyeing Enzo Fernandez Deal
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez, who has been described as 'world-class', has had a fine season for the Blues but recently sparked controversy within Stamford Bridge after making comments about a future move to Real Madrid.
That saw him dropped for two games by now-sacked manager Liam Rosenior as the comments were deemed 'unacceptable', but a transfer away is deemed as a possibility, with Chelsea on the verge of missing out on Champions League football.
Real Madrid are understood to be interested, but it's unclear if they are prepared to make a move to sign him this summer, which has opened the door to a potential move for Man City to enter the race.
City's interest is described as being in the early stages, but a source leaked to The Athletic that he is among the targets being considered to strengthen their midfield, alongside Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Man City Move for Enzo Makes Sense
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez in action with Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres
While Chelsea have sometimes struggled to find the perfect role to get the best from Fernandez, that is unlikely to be a major issue for City, who prefer to play with a three-man midfield, and his possession-heavy style would suit Pep Guardiola.
However, even though there are question marks about Guardiola's future beyond this season, Enzo Maresca has long been considered the favourite to replace him at the Etihad Stadium, and he knows Fernandez well from their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Any transfer is unlikely to be cheap, with Fernandez under contract until 2032, but City have never been afraid to splash the cash if they deem it necessary, and this is one to watch in the coming weeks and months.