Manchester City are being linked with a major summer approach for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, with Enzo Maresca said to be open to the idea of a reunion.

The speculation around Fernández had eased after a blunt statement, particularly with the 25-year-old due to rejoin Chelsea on Wednesday after the 2026 World Cup. Even so, the possibility of a move to the Etihad Stadium has returned after City reportedly made contact with his camp, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea’s position remains clear. They are said to be demanding £120 million ($162 million) and are not expected to lower that figure. City, meanwhile, are understood to be hoping to negotiate, but the gap between the two sides is substantial.

Any move would also sit alongside City’s wider midfield planning, with the club preparing for a future without Rodri. The newly crowned Golden Ball and World Cup winner is reportedly set to join Barcelona this summer, leaving Manchester with one year left on his current deal. City rejected Barcelona’s opening bid of $52 million (£38.5 million), although discussions are still ongoing.

The club are also expected to sign World Cup breakout star Ayyoub Bouaddi, though reports indicate the teenager is not being lined up to replace Rodri directly.

Fernández may now be viewed as the player best placed to fill that role. He has already established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders and produced his strongest form under Maresca.

A return to working with the Italian coach, this time in sky blue, could also appeal after Fernández’s public falling out with the Chelsea hierarchy. That tension followed a two-game suspension over comments about a possible transfer last season.

City’s midfield is already well stocked after the summer arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for $153.9 million (£116 million), while Nico González, Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovačić are also in the squad.

Myles Lewis-Skelly may be entering a difficult stage in his Arsenal career after the club’s $101 million (£75 million) move for Bruno Guimarães reduced the space for him in the squad. The teenager’s minutes fell in 2025-26, yet he still managed to start in central midfield ahead of Martín Zubimendi in the Champions League final alongside Declan Rice.

Even so, the market is already circling. football.london report that Chelsea and Manchester United have both been offered Lewis-Skelly, with Arsenal possibly open to a sale. Chelsea have held a long-term interest in the player and, according to the report, a “good offer” could be difficult for the club to turn down.

Sky Sports add that Chelsea have made a “new enquiry” for the England international. Arsenal, however, “do not want to sell” to a local rival, which points to the possibility that the player has been put forward by representatives or intermediaries who believe his minutes could decline further if he stays in north London.

For Chelsea, the issue is practical as much as strategic. The club are trying to trim a bloated squad, but Marc Cucurella’s sale to Real Madrid earlier this summer means they need a direct replacement at left back. Rayo Vallecano fullback Pep Chavarría is said to be close to Stamford Bridge, though the 28-year-old does not carry the same long-term appeal as Lewis-Skelly.

Manchester United would also see the 18-year-old as a player who covers more than one need. He can operate at left back and in midfield, giving them short-term depth for Luke Shaw as well as a longer-term option. Their midfield picture is also thin, with only Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos available as senior central midfielders, or four if Mason Mount is counted in a deeper role.

The Guardian report that Lewis-Skelly could be priced at around $61 million (£45 million). Given the sums United have already spent on Santos and Tielemans this summer, the deal would sit within reach. Arsenal, meanwhile, may decide that a player not central to Arteta’s plans is still valuable as a source of major transfer income.

Barcelona are moving towards an agreement for Rodri, with talks reportedly entering the final stage as the midfielder edges closer to a return to Manchester City training this week.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have still not reached the asking price, but an offer of an initial $63.5 million (£47 million), before add-ons, has pushed negotiations to the point where the finer details are being worked through. There is even a suggestion that the gap between the clubs could be narrowed by including a player from the Barcelona squad. Elsewhere, City have been linked with 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués.

The urgency is clear from Barcelona’s side. Hansi Flick wants the matter resolved quickly so he can spend as much time as possible preparing with his reshaped squad before the new season gets underway.

Rodri’s summer has been interrupted more than most after winning the World Cup with Spain. His return to pre-season has been delayed, and he has yet to rejoin City, missing Enzo Maresca’s entire first pre-season, which finished this weekend before the Community Shield against Arsenal next Sunday, Aug. 16.

A return is now imminent. Rodri is expected to be available for City in some capacity, with his comeback set for two days earlier.

“At the moment, he will be in Manchester,” Maresca explained. “There is no update. On Aug. 14 he will be back.”

A swift resolution would suit both clubs. Barcelona want Rodri in place as soon as possible to maximise their preparation time, while City also need to plan for a future without such an influential figure.