Manchester City could have a busy summer transfer window to shape their midfield for next season under Enzo Maresca
Enzo Fernandez and his Chelsea teammates embrace the travelling supporters
Enzo Fernandez and his Chelsea teammates embrace the travelling supporters after the away defeat to Sunderland(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Manchester City are not planning to sign Enzo Fernandez in the summer transfer window as they prioritise a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The England international is City's No.1 target and the hope is that he will be the first marquee signing of the Enzo Maresca era.
City have strong competition for Anderson from Manchester United, who have confirmed Champions League football for next season since they first identified the Forest midfielder. However, the Blues are ahead in the race and have a good relationship with the Premier League club; James McAtee and Stefan Ortega have moved from City in the last 12 months.
With midfield set to be the biggest issue for City in the summer window - they strengthened in attack and defence in January - there could be multiple arrivals amid uncertainty over several squad players. Rodri and Mateo Kovacic only have a year left on their contract, while Nico Gonzalez was left out of the FA Cup final and a number of Premier League games towards the end of the season.
Fernandez struck up such a close bond with Maresca at Chelsea that he was made one of the captains at Stamford Bridge, and was publicly critical of the decision to replace the coach in the middle of the season. A 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on the final day completed a miserable campaign for the West London club that saw them finish tenth, leaving them without any European football next year.
Despite the bond between Maresca and Fernandez and a potential need at the Etihad for multiple signings in midfield, the £117m Argentine is not currently part of City's plans for the summer. Maresca should be confirmed as Pep Guardiola's replacement soon, with the final details of his appointment being sorted out.