Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Man City manager, and that has increased speculation that he could raid Chelsea for midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer.
Ever since Fernandez’s comments in March, the midfielder has been linked with a summer exit. The World Cup winner has made it clear he would entertain a move to Real Madrid, while Man City have been linked.
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The former Benfica star has once again enjoyed a superb season on an individual level, having a hand in 22 goals in 54 appearances from the middle of the park. He will be key for Argentina at the World Cup.
But without European competition, it would not come as a surprise to see Fernandez leave in the coming months. However, the chances of Fernandez leaving Chelsea have now just got a whole lot thinner.
Man City make decision between Fernandez and Elliot Anderson
With Chelsea setting their price tag at £100m for Fernandez, reports say Real Madrid will not be able to afford the South American. Fernandez has a deal at Chelsea until 2032; the Blues are under no pressure.
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Only a handful of clubs can afford Fernandez, and one of those is Man City. However, the Mail now say that City have decided to focus on a deal for Forest and England star Elliot Anderson, not Fernandez.
Despite the arrival of Maresca as City manager with Guardiola leaving after a decade in charge, and the close relationship that Maresca and Fernandez have, it appears City have cooled their interest in him.
Which clubs linked with Fernandez could still sign him?
There is a scenario where Madrid are able to sell a few players and be in a position where they might be able to afford Fernandez. Whether Jose Mourinho wants the Argentine is a completely different question.
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Certainly, his reputation among Chelsea fans won’t improve if he raids his old side for Fernandez. Clubs in Saudi Arabia can afford Fernandez, but Fernandez won’t want to move to the Middle East at this stage.
PSG can afford Fernandez, and Atletico Madrid have been known to spend big amounts of money. But PSG hardly need a midfielder, and Atleti have other positions to replace, with Julian Alvarez likely to go.
At the current moment in time, Chelsea seem the likeliest home for Fernandez next season. With Alonso in charge, Fernandez could go to another level under one of the game’s best-ever midfielders.
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