Manchester City are exploring a move for Enzo Fernandez in light of Rodri’s expected move to Barcelona.
The Chelsea midfielder is highly rated by new boss Enzo Maresca, who worked with the Argentine during his time at Stamford Bridge before succeeding Pep Guardiola this summer at the Etihad Stadium.
And with Rodri now keen to join Barcelona over Real Madrid after guiding Spain to World Cup glory this summer, the Independent understands that City are in the market for a new midfielder and have started to explore the prospect of signing Fernandez.
Elliot Anderson completed a £116m move from Nottingham Forest, but with Bernardo Silva also leaving, in a move to Real Madrid, City would like more cover should Rodri follow the Portuguese international and head for the exit.
Fernandez endured a mixed World Cup, thriving for the defending champions in a famous run to the final, which included two goals, including the vital equaliser in the semi-final triumph over England, but his ill discipline in the final, which saw him pick up a second yellow card and subsequent red card, ultimately cost his side in defeat to Spain.
The 25-year-old was suspended last season after statements made concerning his future, having joined the Blues for £106m in 2023.
Chelsea still value the player in the region of £120 million, which could put off suitors, despite a fine season amid chaos at Stamford Bridge, with 16 goals and nine assists in all competitions last term.
Fernandez has mostly switched between roles as a No 10 and a box-to-box midfielder, though City may look to use him in a deeper role at times, should Anderson also be given license to push forward.
Xabi Alonso appears content to keep Fernandez and make him part of his rebuild, though Chelsea hold an interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
A £64m bid for Scott was rejected by the Cherries last month, with no sign of an improved bid from the Blues.
Should, as expected, Real Madrid miss out on Rodri, then Fernandez could also emerge as an alternative target for Jose Mourinho’s new-look side.
Fernandez is yet to join the Blues for pre-season and has been on holiday since the World Cup, though the player shared footage of himself training alone on Thursday in preparation for an expected return next week.
