Maresca eyes Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández as ‘dream’ Rodri replacement if Barcelona seal €80m deal | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca considers Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez his 'dream signing' if Rodri leaves Manchester City this summer.

Manchester City have knocked back an opening offer fromBarcelona for Rodri, understood to be in the region of €50m (£42.8m).

The 30-year-old has less than 12 months on his contract at the Etihad and is keen on a return to La Liga, nominating Barcelona as his preferred destination this week, despite rival interest from Real Madrid.

City remain relaxed on Rodri's situation, with the onus now on Barcelona to return with an improved bid. The Cityzens are believed to value Rodri at closer to €80m (£68.5m), despite the length of his contract.

Should Barcelona reach an agreement to sign the World Cup-winning captain, City could launch a move for Fernandez as a potential replacement.

Maresca worked with the Argentina international at Chelsea and considers him the 'dream' option to replace Rodri, reportSky Italy.

Fernandez has been linked with an exit from Chelsea throughout the summer, though the Blues would demand a huge fee for the 25-year-old.

The midfielder cost Chelsea a then-British record fee of £106.1m when he arrived from Benfica in January 2023, after impressing for Argentina at the 2022World Cup in Qatar.

Fernandez has since made 169 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions and has won the FIFA Club World Cup and Europa Conference League with the club. He scored 15 goals in 54 games last season, despite a disappointing season for the West Londoners.