Rumours about Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez potentially joining Manchester City this summer continue to intensify.
Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Pep Guardiola, who takes charge of his final game as City manager on Sunday afternoon, and it is thought that Fernandez could be one of his first signings.
Maresca and Fernandez had a good relationship when the Italian was still at Chelsea, and it looks as though he wants a reunion with his former player at the Etihad.
Joe Cole thinks Chelsea could be forced to sell Fernandez in the upcoming transfer window, but it would be silly to. The only justification for selling Fernandez is if incoming manager Xabi Alonso does not want him.
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TalkingPoints user on Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer
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Things have been really toxic at Stamford Bridge this season. Alonso will want to change the atmosphere there next term, but that may not be easy if he has unhappy players in his squad.
Therefore, the 44-year-old may eventually come to the conclusion that it is best to move on the likes of Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, who are both clearly unsettled at the moment.
Ultimately, if Alonso only wants players who are committed and willing to buy-in to what he is trying to do at the club, Fernandez should be sold. Other than that, there is no reason for Chelsea to sanction an exit.
Xabi Alonso coach of Real Madrid gestures
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images
If the club need money, they should find another way to make some. Fernandez is one of the team’s most important players and is going to be virtually impossible to replace.
This season, he is their second-highest scorer with 15 goals, which is five more than what Cole Palmer has managed.
Maresca turned Fernandez into a goalscoring midfielder, and that is probably one reason why he wants to bring him to City.
The Argentine can arrive late in the box as a No.8 and score goals or take up dangerous positions as a No.10 there and do the same thing.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez celebrating
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
His passing is also very good, while Fernandez has a big personality as well. You always see the 25-year-old talking to his teammates on the pitch and instructing them. He is one of the few leaders in the dressing room.
All in all, while the likes of City and Real Madrid are interested in signing Fernandez, Chelsea should be looking to keep hold of him. However, it is also important for them to listen to what Alonso has to say about the Argentina international’s situation.
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