Rodri's potential switch to Real Madrid could open the door for Manchester City to sign Enzo Fernandez this summer.
The Argentine international has been incredible since joining for a whopping £106.8 million in 2023, and during a difficult 2025/26 campaign, his importance has become even greater.
A match-winner on his day, and a world-class conductor in possession, Fernandez has chipped in with 10 Premier League goals and four assists in 35 top-flight appearances. The 25-year-old also posted five goal involvements in the Champions League to prove he can shine on the big stage.
With Xabi Alonso signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, the chance to see him flourish in the Spaniard's 3-4-1-2 system is a mouth-watering prospect, but supporters may be denied that possibility.
Enzo Fernandez could join Enzo Maresca at Man City
Fernandez has often grown frustrated during a difficult period for Chelsea, and was even handed a two-match suspension in April for hinting at a summer exit to Real Madrid.
"I’d like to live in Madrid. It’s a beautiful city, reminds me of Buenos Aires," the Argentine said in a YouTube video."
The world-class midfielder has since put aside those rumours by ending the campaign in remarkable form with four goal involvements in his last five matches, including a goal and assist last time out to sink rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Dragging his team through a rough patch has been a constant theme throughout the campaign, though his willingness to give it all for Chelsea may not prevent him from leaving the club.
Real Madrid will make a move for Fernandez this summer, according to The Independent, with sources close to the situation saying that there is a strong chance that Sunday's clash with Sunderland could be his final game for the Blues.
Manchester City are also interested in the playmaker, but that depends on whether Madrid complete a deal for Rodri. The Spanish giants are interested in the 29-year-old, whose contract expires in June 2027, and a transfer to Los Blancos could open the door for City to pounce.
Enzo Maresca is replacing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium after he announced that a departure is imminent, and the Italian is likely to play a pivotal role in reuniting with Fernandez in Manchester.
What Fernandez has said about Enzo Maresca
Fernandez and Maresca struck a strong relationship together at Chelsea before he was sacked in January, and Chelsea's No. 8 was shocked and saddened by his exit.
"I don’t understand it either. Sometimes, there are things that we as players don’t understand, how and in what way they try to manage things," he said. "Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity. He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of Football, sometimes it’s good and bad.
“But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously, his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season; it cuts everything short.”"
Whether his adoration towards Maresca will persuade him to swap for a Premier League rival remains to be seen, but City's interest in the midfielder could create a transfer tug-of-war between them and Real.
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