Man City ready to take advantage of struggles at Chelsea by poaching 25-year-old

Manchester City are reportedly considering Enzo Fernandez as a top summer transfer target, with claims that he has risen high on their shortlist. The move is linked to the club’s transition after Pep Guardiola’s departure, with Enzo Maresca expected to take over at the Etihad. Maresca previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea and is said to have a strong relationship with him, with reports suggesting early behind-the-scenes talks. City are expected to reshape their midfield, especially with Bernardo Silva’s future uncertain and Rodri linked with Real Madrid. Fernandez is 25, a World Cup winner, Premier League proven, and technically suited to possession-heavy football. Chelsea signed him for a large fee in January 2023, with a contract running until 2032, reducing pressure to sell cheaply. Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League weakens their ability to persuade top players, while Fernandez wants Champions League football.

"Manchester City are reportedly making Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez one of their top targets for the summer transfer window, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming the Argentine has moved high up City's shortlist. The story has gained extra attention because City are heading into a new era after Pep Guardiola's departure, with reports suggesting Enzo Maresca is expected to take over at the Etihad."

"That naturally adds fuel to the Fernandez rumours, because Maresca worked with him at Chelsea and is said to have a strong relationship with the midfielder. Other reports have also claimed initial behind-the-scenes talks have already taken place around a possible move. On paper, it is easy to understand why Manchester City would like Enzo."

"He is 25, a World Cup winner, Premier League proven and technically good enough to play in a possession-heavy team. Man City are set to invest in their midfield Man City are expected to reshape their midfield, especially with Bernardo Silva's future uncertain and Rodri being linked with Real Madrid. The Sun has even reported that Fernandez could be seen as a possible long-term midfield addition under Maresca."

"For Chelsea, though, this would be a very awkward situation. They signed Enzo for huge money from Benfica in January 2023, and his contract runs until 2032. That means Chelsea are not under pressure to sell cheaply. In fact, reports around his future have made it clear that the club do not want to sell him for a book loss, especially after another disappointing season at Stamford Bridge."

Read at www.caughtoffside.com