Enzo Fernandez ‘Wants to Leave’ Chelsea to Reunite with Maresca at Manchester City

Manchester City’s pursuit of a marquee summer signing appears to be centring on one of Chelsea‘s most influential players. According to reports, 25-year-old Argentina international Enzo Fernandez has expressed a clear desire to leave Stamford Bridge and link up with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported on 22 May 2026 that Fernandez is among Manchester City‘s primary transfer targets for the upcoming window, describing him as “strongly wanted” by Maresca. Plettenberg added that initial conversations have already taken place behind the scenes, and that the two Enzos share “a top and very trusting relationship” built during Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea.

Fernandez joined Chelsea in February 2023 and remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2032 — a deal that would make any potential transfer financially complex. Despite his long-term commitment on paper, according to reports the player is “100% open” to a move, with a desire to compete in Champions League football understood to be a central factor in his thinking.

Maresca, who is set to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, previously managed Fernandez during his spell at Chelsea before departing for the Etihad. That prior working relationship appears to be a significant factor in City’s interest and in Fernandez’s willingness to pursue the transfer.

The reported pursuit comes at a delicate moment for Chelsea, who are simultaneously managing a managerial transition of their own. Xabi Alonso is set to take charge at Stamford Bridge and, according to reports, views Fernandez as a key leadership figure within the squad. Alonso is said to be keen to retain the Argentine, meaning his first major challenge as Chelsea head coach could involve convincing one of his most important players to stay.

Fernandez’s campaign has not been without controversy. The midfielder was suspended by Chelsea earlier in the 2025-26 season following comments he made about his future at the club — an episode that may have further strained his relationship with the institution, even as incoming management looks to reset that dynamic.

Since his arrival in west London, Fernandez has established himself as one of the more consistent performers in what has been an evolving Chelsea squad under successive managers. His World Cup-winning pedigree with Argentina — he was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar in December 2022 — underlines the calibre of player Chelsea would be at risk of losing.

Should the transfer materialise, it would represent one of the more significant pieces of summer business in the Premier League, given the contract length remaining, Fernandez’s age, and the sums likely to be involved. Chelsea’s willingness — or otherwise — to sanction such a deal under Alonso’s incoming regime remains to be seen.