Midfield Contingency
The prospect of losing Rodri has a way of focusing the mind. With the Spanish midfielder's exit to Barcelona reportedly taking shape, City appear to be preparing for life without their midfield anchor — and the name on their list is a familiar one.
Sport Italia journalist Gianluigi Longari has claimed the Blues have reignited their interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, with a potential offer mooted before the transfer window closes.
Longari's logic is straightforward enough. If Rodri goes, City need a like-for-like presence in the middle of the park. Fernandez, for all the noise around his Stamford Bridge spell, fits the profile of a player who could slot straight into Maresca's midfield. The Italian knows him well from their time together at Chelsea.
City's interest in Fernandez is not new. The club have been linked before, but the timing feels significant. This is not speculative window-shopping; it is a direct response to a potential outgoing.
"With Rodri's move to Barcelona taking shape, the Manchester City track for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez […]"
Barcelona's pursuit of Rodri has been an open secret all summer, and the noises from Catalonia have grown louder with each passing week. Should that deal finally cross the line, do not be surprised to see City move with unusual speed for Fernandez.
The window, as ever, has a habit of accelerating towards the end. City's midfield plans may well be decided in the final frantic days.