Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City saga may not be over just yet despite Chelsea’s firm stance.
Last week, Chelsea informed City and other clubs that they had until 5pm on Friday to meet Fernandez’s £120m valuation.
That never happened, but after City’s humiliation in the Community Shield, Maresca is very likely to ask his employers not to give up on Fernandez.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Manchester City
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca wants new signing immediately amid interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez
The good news for Maresca is that it looks like City are still trying to sign Fernandez from their Premier League rivals.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, City have told Maresca that they are doing everything in their power to bring Fernandez to the Etihad.
However, after losing 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, Maresca has made it clear that he wants a new signing through the door before the new season starts, although the Italian did not mention Fernandez specifically.
In his post-match press conference, he told Simon Bajkowski and other journalists: “Any new signing, the sooner they arrive the better because we are starting the Premier League in one week.”
Manchester City's Italian manager Enzo Maresca looks on
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
City played so poorly at the Principality Stadium that having Fernandez would not have made any difference.
Their defending was atrocious, while their pressing was unrecognisable. Hopefully we, as Chelsea supporters, get to see more of the same once the season starts!
READ MORE:Why life is going to get much worse for Enzo Fernandez after being booed by Chelsea fans
It would not be wise to read too much into a Community Shield final, but that game has given Chelsea even more of a reason not to sell Fernandez to City.
Now that Pep Guardiola has gone, they have lost their immortality. There is no reason why Xabi Alonso’s side cannot close the gap with them this term, but that is going to be difficult if they sell one of their best players to their former manager.
It will also leave egg on their faces after telling everyone that Fernandez would not be sold after their 14 August deadline.