Maresca May Fancy Fernandez, But City Won't Be Coming Calling

Manchester City have no plans to tempt Enzo Fernandez away from Chelsea this summer, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano—even if their incoming manager holds the midfielder in the highest regard.

Enzo Maresca and Fernandez enjoyed a productive working relationship during their time together at Stamford Bridge, and with Pep Guardiola departing the Etihad, Maresca is poised to take the reins at City. This has fuelled talk that the Argentine tactician might seek to reunite with the South American playmaker at his new club.

However, Romano's latest assessment suggests such speculation is premature. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer guru made clear that City are not actively engaged in negotiations: "At the moment, there is zero ongoing between Man City and Enzo Fernandez."

The reporter acknowledged Maresca's genuine appreciation for the player, but stressed this doesn't automatically translate into transfer action. "Does Enzo Maresca appreciate Enzo Fernandez? Yes, he's a player he loves," Romano explained. "The connection between the two Enzos at Chelsea was amazing, fantastic, but it doesn't mean he has to sign Enzo Fernandez at Manchester City."

Romano added that City have made no enquiry about Fernandez's availability, suggesting there is nothing substantive to discuss at present. He did caveat his comments by noting that circumstances could shift should City struggle to land alternative targets like Elliot Anderson.

For context, Fernandez himself has spoken positively about working under Maresca. After netting against Liverpool on May 6, 2025, the midfielder praised his manager's tactical direction and noted how his understanding of the system had deepened: "It was difficult in the beginning, getting to know Enzo and the way he wanted to play, but now I totally understand him and what he wants from me."

Maresca, for his part, has been equally complimentary, describing Fernandez as a leader performing at the highest level following Chelsea's victory over Southampton on February 26, 2025: "He behaved as a leader and he is doing top, fantastic. He is showing how good a leader he is, how good he is on the ball, how good he is off the ball and we are delighted with him."

The situation remains fluid, with Real Madrid also circling the midfielder amid Chelsea's disappointing campaign. But any notion of Maresca engineering a reunion at the Etihad appears to be wishful thinking for now.