Manchester City are in a frenzy to revamp their midfield this summer. That urgency has them circling Enzo Fernandez, the 25-year-old Argentine who is currently driving Chelsea’s engine room at Stamford Bridge. There have already been informal talks in the background with the entourage of the World Cup winner, according to reports.
The move comes as huge upheaval grips the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola expected to leave his post after a decade of dominance. Incoming boss Enzo Maresca, who was briefly Fernandez’s manager at Chelsea earlier this season, is thought to be driving this pursuit. It is understood the pair have kept in touch since the Italian’s acrimonious departure from Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this term, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in his outings for the Blues. In fact, only Bruno Fernandes and Mohamed Salah have registered more assists than the Argentine in the English top-flight across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns.
Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez Pursuit Hinges on Rodri’s Future
The fortunes of the entire operation could hinge on the situation of Spanish midfield anchor Rodri. Manchester City may only want the Argentine if Rodri leaves for Real Madrid this summer, it’s been reported. The Spanish giants have been linked with continued interest in the Ballon d’Or winner.
But Chelsea are not about to let their prized asset go cheaply, having paid a then-British record fee for his services. Fernandez signed from Benfica in the January 2023 window for a huge £106.8 million and is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032. The West London side would probably demand a fee of around £90 million, or more, before even considering negotiations.
Adding to the confusion is the position of incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, who is understood to see Fernandez as a key part of his project at Stamford Bridge. The Argentinian, though, questioned the decision to publicly let Maresca go earlier in the season and hinted at the possibility of a reunion. And with the summer window fast approaching, Chelsea fans may be preparing for a huge blow.