• Maresca eyes reunion with Argentine World Cup winner

  As the post-Guardiola era dawns at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City has identified Enzo Fernández as its primary transfer target. This move is being strongly advocated by Enzo Maresca, who is set to succeed Guardiola this summer on a three-year contract.

  The Italian tactician, who forged a strong connection with the World Cup winner during his 18 months at Stamford Bridge, is convinced that the Argentine’s profile perfectly aligns with his vision for revitalizing City’s midfield. Preliminary discussions are already underway as the reigning English champions move swiftly to assess the feasibility of securing the deal.

  
  

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• Fernández’s growing dissatisfaction at Chelsea

  Enzo Fernández’s long-term future at Chelsea is currently a subject of intense speculation. Already discontent following the club’s Champions League elimination, the midfielder’s relationship with the Chelsea management reportedly worsened after he received a two-match internal suspension for publicly discussing a potential transfer to Real Madrid during an international break.

  The Argentine has openly expressed his admiration for Enzo Maresca and publicly questioned Chelsea’s decision to part ways with the coach mid-season. Fernández stated, “I don’t understand it either. Sometimes there are things we, as players, don’t comprehend – how and in what manner they try to manage things. His departure affected us because we had a clear identity. He gave us instructions, and even though results in football can often be random, he always had a very clear vision for training and playing. His departure in the middle of the season interrupted everything.”

  
  

• Tactical shift anticipated at the Etihad

  Manchester City is reportedly seeking a marquee signing to inaugurate the Enzo Maresca era. Fernández’s exceptional ability to dictate play from deep in midfield perfectly aligns with the club’s prospective new tactical direction. Despite his £106.8 million transfer to Chelsea, the Argentine midfielder has not consistently showcased his full potential for the Blues, partly due to frequent squad rotation.

  With no Champions League football next season, Chelsea may find it challenging to decline an opportunity for Fernández to join a club with Manchester City’s illustrious track record. This Sunday, Chelsea travels to Sunderland for the final matchday, unable to climb higher than seventh place in the Premier League, a situation that intensifies uncertainty surrounding its key players.

• Crafting the summer transfer shortlist

  While Enzo Fernández remains the top priority, City’s recruitment department is exploring multiple avenues. Our sources indicate that the Citizens are also closely monitoring Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Tino Livramento of Newcastle, aiming to rejuvenate their defense and midfield. Maresca’s intimate knowledge of the Chelsea squad could also lead City to consider other targets from Stamford Bridge.

  Chelsea is expected to demand a transfer fee comparable to what they paid Benfica in 2023, suggesting potentially challenging negotiations. Despite these hurdles, Maresca is strongly pushing for this significant acquisition, and the City hierarchy stands ready to offer its full support to reclaim the Premier League title from Arsenal next season.

By Yacouba Ouédraogo — Investigative journalist