Summer of upheaval at the Etihad
Manchester City's midfield rebuild could take a blockbuster twist, with former club financial adviser Stefan Borson suggesting Enzo Fernandez remains a genuine target should Rodri complete his anticipated departure.
Borson, speaking to Football Insider, painted a picture of a club preparing for serious business before the window shuts. City have already committed £116m to bring Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, and Lille's 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to follow for £86m. Yet the former adviser insists Maresca wants more.
"They do want to replace him if he goes, and that's above and beyond the [Ayyoub] Bouaddi deal, which I think will still happen regardless."
Fernandez would not come cheap. Chelsea are understood to value the Argentine at £120m, and Real Madrid are also circling. But the 25-year-old's ties to Maresca keep City in the conversation, and Rodri's situation has only strengthened the links.
The former Ballon d'Or winner appears closer than ever to leaving, with all signs pointing to a summer exit. Borson believes City will want any Rodri deal wrapped up before the Community Shield meeting with Arsenal on 16 August — and only then would they move for Fernandez.
"I think City plan to be pretty busy between now and the close of the window. They want to buy and sell."
Fernandez, who managed 16 goals and 10 assists in 61 Chelsea appearances last season, may also be ready for a fresh start after the World Cup. Borson framed the potential move as "an enormous transaction", but one that hinges on City's willingness to play a waiting game with Rodri.
"So there's still loads to happen. But it's a question of whether City are prepared to play that game with Rodri. Or whether they just go, 'Look, if you haven't brought the offer by the Charity Shield, we're not selling this summer.'"
Either way, the next fortnight should settle it. City's business so far suggests they are not done.