From Argentina: Enzo Maresca appointment will propel Enzo Fernandez transfer to Manchester City | OneFootball

Enzo Fernandez’s future at Chelsea has been thrown into doubt following his fallout with the club and despite peace supposedly being restored internally, Manchester City could swoop in for the midfielder, as per a report.  

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner caused controversy in an interview with Avirales in March that he would “like to live in Spain” in the future as he “really likes Madrid”.

However, despite not giving any indication that he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge, club officials and former Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who was relieved of his duties last week, together handed the Argentina international a two-match ban for his divisive comments.

Fernandez, who joined the west London club from Benfica for £106 million in 2023, has been subject to speculation over a potential exit this summer as a result – and with Chelsea already identifying possible midfield replacements, a departure remains on the table.

Report: Fernandez to Man City has major caveat

Real Madrid have been linked with the 25-year-old and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation. A fresh angle has emerged, however, and Manchester City are in the race as well. 

According to journalist Gustavo Yarroch, there is growing talk around the possibility of a move to the Etihad Stadium for Fernandez but on strict conditions that may not transpire.

“In England, there are increasingly strong rumours that after the World Cup, Pep Guardiola could leave his position (as Manchester City manager),” Tarroch said in conversation with ESPN Argentina.

“If that were to happen and Enzo Maresca arrived as Manchester City manager, he (Fernandez) also had Enzo Fernandez on his radar.”

Will Fernandez join Man City this summer?

With a significant caveat involved, it is currently unlikely that any deal would occur, not least because Guardiola is yet to confirm whether he will remain Manchester City manager next season, despite having another year on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.

PSG also being in the race means Chelsea could struggle to keep hold of one of their best players beyond this season, with Fernandez’s release clause being around £103 million. 

The above figure is notably below his £128-137 million valuation but Yarroch explained in the same report that “would not be a financial problem for the French club”.

What does this mean for Chelsea?

From a Chelsea standpoint, the situation is becoming noisier by the week but it is needless to say that they remain in control over Fernandez’s future, have shown no intention to lower their demands and that reports around the midfielder’s exit are more speculation than acceleration. 

Chelsea’s stance is clear and it could be helped if Fernandez is to publicly express his desire to stay, yet even the biggest clubs in Europe may find themselves watching rather than acting.