Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to replace the departing Rodri, according to a new report – but how realistic is his so-called ‘dream’?
It looks like Rodri will swap Manchester for Barcelona in the coming days, with widespread reports suggesting he has prioritised a move to the Catalan giants over rivals Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who has entered the final year of his contract at Manchester City, had been presented with a ‘substantial financial offer’ from Madrid in recent days.
But following extensive talks, he opted for a move to Barca, according to a report from AS, which claims he pointed to their style of play and the legacy of Pep Guardiola, amongst other things, when deciding his next club.
Rodri’s departure will leave a gaping hole in City’s midfield as they look to challenge for the Premier League title. So, will they sign a replacement?
As well as club record transfer Elliot Anderson, it appears 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is being lined up as Rodri’s long-term replacement, with personal terms already being agreed for the Moroccan.
As mentioned above, Enzo Fernandez is also being linked with a move to City. Sky’s Gianluca Di Marzio claimed on Thursday night that the Argentine is Maresca’s ‘dream’ addition.
Maresca is a huge fan of Enzo Fernandez. Image credit: Getty
The report adds: “While Maresca’s admiration for the Argentine is beyond question, it remains to be seen whether negotiations for the 2001-born midfielder will be possible.”
Of course, the pair shared a strong relationship during their time at Chelsea. Earlier this year, Fernandez voiced his displeasure at the sudden departure of Maresca, who was replaced by Liam Rosenior.
“Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity,” said the midfielder. “He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad.”
Fernandez added: “But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously, his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season; it cuts everything short.”
Maresca was very consistent in his praise for Fernandez during his 18-month spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, but whether he can convince the Argentine to make the move to Manchester is another matter.
The 25-year-old’s future remains uncertain after he flirted with a move to Real Madrid earlier this year.
Enzo Fernandez’s teammate urges him to stay at Chelsea
Earlier this week, midfielder Moises Caicedo made a plea to his Chelsea teammate.
“I love Enzo. He knows I have a lot of respect for him,” he said. “We know the player he is and he is also a great person. I want him to stay. If he stays here he is going to be massive for us. For sure, he is going to think and do what is best for him.”
