Manchester City target Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández as Barcelona steps up bid for Rodri
Manchester City have identified Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández as a potential signing, but Chelsea’s £120m valuation may prove prohibitive, according to transfer developments published on 12 August 2026. The interest in Fernández comes as Barcelona have tabled an improved offer to Manchester City for Rodri.
Barcelona’s revised proposal for Rodri is around €60m (£51m), following an initial €45m bid that Manchester City rejected; the new offer may include add-ons and is said to be close to City’s valuation for the 30-year-old. The player, who captained Spain to the World Cup and won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, has declared a preference for Barcelona and is reported to be intent on a move.
Chelsea are understood to be holding firm on a valuation of about £120m for Enzo Fernández, and any transfer would be likely to feature add-ons. Enzo Maresca is reported to be keen on Fernández after working with him for a season-and-a-half at Chelsea before his tenure ended in January.
Fernández, 25, was a key member of Maresca’s team that finished fourth and won the Europa Conference League in 2024-25 and also lifted the FIFA Club World Cup last summer. Chelsea captain Fernández’s combative style is noted in accounts of why City view him as a potential addition.
Sources say that, should Manchester City sign Fernández, another midfielder could be moved on, with Tijjani Reijnders mentioned as a possible candidate to depart. Observers note that Fernández’s arrival would bring seniority and leadership to Maresca’s squad.
City’s recent transfer activity includes the £116m signing of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest and a near-complete deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for around £85m. Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as a possible replacement should Fernández leave Stamford Bridge.
On Wednesday Manchester City announced the signing of Gerónimo Rulli on a two-year deal following James Trafford’s move to Leeds; the Argentina goalkeeper was previously at the club in 2016-17. The 35-year-old said: "My job now is to train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can."
If Rodri completes his preferred move to Barcelona and City pursue Fernández, that combination would likely prompt at least one midfield departure at Manchester City, with Tijjani Reijnders cited as a possible exit.