Midfield void vs pricey Chelsea targets: Maresca’s rebuild test

Manchester City confront a growing midfield void at the Etihad, with doubts over Rodri’s future and the recent exits of Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, while Italian coach Enzo Maresca eyes Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto as key pieces to revive the squad.

The departures have left a clear gap, prompting City to lean on their £116 million record signing of Elliot Anderson, a product of Maresca’s overhaul, as evidence of the urgency to reinforce the squad.

Enzo Fernandez has emerged as a top transfer option; the 25‑year‑old Argentine still has six years on his Chelsea contract, which runs to the summer of 2032, and the London club have set a £120 million asking price that City hopes to trim to under £100 million.

Malo Gusto is also on City’s radar as Maresca prefers a natural right‑back to the makeshift Matheus Nunes. The 23‑year‑old French defender is tied to Chelsea until the summer of 2030, and the club have demanded £75 million for his release.

Maresca, an Italian, took over from Pep Guardiola after a decade‑long era, immediately adding Elliot Anderson to the roster. The summer window has already seen City plot five signings, with Anderson expected to lead the rebuild.

Rodri’s situation adds complexity: the Spanish midfielder, a Ballon d’Or winner instrumental in Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph, faces back‑surgery and a reported £100 million Real Madrid bid, while PSG and Barcelona have also shown interest.

City remain keen to negotiate with Chelsea before the transfer deadline, hoping a reunion between Maresca and the Chelsea duo would address the midfield gap and bolster the right side, but price demands and Rodri’s health remain key obstacles.