Manchester City eyes Enzo Fernández but Chelsea's £120m valuation is a stumbling block

Manchester City have targeted Chelsea's Enzo Fernández as a potential signing following Rodri's expected departure to Barcelona. According to The Guardian, the Citizens view the Argentine playmaker as a leadership replacement, with head coach Enzo Maresca keen after working with him for a season-and-a-half at Stamford Bridge.

The key obstacle is Chelsea's valuation. The west London club is asking around £120m for Fernández, a price City consider excessive, though a deal could materialise with add-ons and performance incentives. The 25-year-old, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, was central to Chelsea's fourth-place finish and Europa Conference League triumph last season, serving as club captain.

Maresca is attracted to Fernández's combative style and experience, which could sharpen City's midfield edge. Chelsea, meanwhile, are exploring replacements such as Alex Scott from Bournemouth in case the midfielder departs.