Manchester City is considering signing Enzo Fernández from Chelsea as a midfield target this summer.
According to people familiar with the matter, City's interest in the Argentine international is still in the early stages, and they are also monitoring other midfield targets, including Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest. These insiders requested anonymity to protect their relationships.
Real Madrid is also among the suitors for Fernández, but it remains unclear whether they will take action. Fernández made comments about Real Madrid during the March international break, which led to him being dropped from the starting lineup for two matches by Liam Rosenior.
City's interest in Fernández comes as the club prepares to lose midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer.
City confirmed on Thursday that the Portuguese international will leave the Etihad Stadium after nearly a decade when his contract expires.
Rodri's contract also expires in 2027, but Pep Guardiola stated in April that he remains "optimistic" that the 29-year-old Spanish international will sign a new contract with City. Rodri said in March that he hopes to return to Spanish football one day and "cannot refuse" the opportunity to play for Real Madrid.
According to authoritative reports, City is also competing for Anderson, and City is considered Anderson's preferred destination. The England international is also Manchester United's top target on their midfield shopping list this summer.
The 25-year-old Fernández has a contract with Stamford Bridge until 2032, but he made a series of comments in March that raised questions about his future whereabouts.
After news of Fernández's suspension was announced, his agent Javier Pastore told The Athletic that he had held talks with Chelsea about a contract extension, but if the two parties still cannot reach an agreement after the World Cup, his client will consider other options.
Since joining Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for €120 million (now worth £103.7 million; $138 million), a British transfer record at the time, Fernández has made 163 appearances for Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup and the UEFA Europa League during this period.
This season, the 2022 World Cup winner has made 48 appearances in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and 6 assists.
Chelsea is currently seventh in the Premier League, while City drew level on points with leaders Arsenal after a 1-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday.
