Manchester City has reportedly set its sights on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. According to The Athletic, the Sky Blues are exploring a potential summer acquisition, though this interest is currently in its nascent stages.
The potential need for reinforcement in central midfield for Manchester City arises from Bernardo Silva’s impending departure at the end of the season, as well as the uncertain future of Rodri, who has been linked with Real Madrid.
Fernandez has recently been a topic of discussion. After Chelsea’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, the 25-year-old midfielder left his future at Stamford Bridge open. In an interview with Argentinian media a few days later, he expressed a desire to live in Madrid if he were to leave London, finding it reminiscent of his hometown, Buenos Aires.
Fernandez Recently Faced Scrutiny
Chelsea did not let these comments pass without consequence, subsequently excluding Fernandez from the squad for two matches. The now-dismissed coach, Liam Rosenior, commented on the situation: «It’s disappointing that Enzo speaks like that. I have nothing bad to say about him, but a line was crossed regarding our culture and what we want to build,» Rosenior stated. «The door is not closed for Enzo. It’s a sanction. The culture must be protected, and a line was crossed in this regard during the international break.»
However, his agent, Javier Pastore, deemed this punishment excessive, telling The Athletic: «The punishment is completely unfair – suspending the player for two games, which are absolutely crucial for Chelsea, as they are fighting for Champions League qualification and he is one of the team’s most important players.»
«I find this to be far too harsh given Chelsea’s current situation, and there’s no real reason or justification for why he was suspended,» Pastore added.
Enzo is Chelsea’s Record Signing
For Fernandez and his agent, the situation remains perplexing. Nevertheless, «Enzo accepted it because he is an extremely professional player who gives his all everywhere and respects decisions. We do not understand this punishment, as he did not mention any club or say he wanted to leave Chelsea.»
The Argentinian simply «mentioned the city because he was asked which European city he would like to live in one day, and he said Madrid because of the language, as it is similar to Buenos Aires, and because it is logical – it is only natural for an Argentinian to say that – and also because of the culture, the weather… but at no point does he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London.»
Chelsea acquired the midfielder in January 2023 from Benfica Lisbon for a record fee of approximately 121 million euros and immediately signed him to a long-term contract until 2032. Fernandez was recognized as the best young player at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina triumphed.
Enzo Fernandez: Performance Data 2025/26
- Appearances: 48
- Goals: 12
- Assists: 6