Man City Eyes Enzo Fernandez Despite £86m Deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, Says Enzo Maresca

Man City Still Interested in Enzo Fernandez Amid Midfield Overhaul

Manchester City continue to pursue Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite finalizing an £86 million agreement for Lille's rising star Ayyoub Bouaddi. The club’s manager, Enzo Maresca, is reshaping the midfield following Rodri’s departure to Barcelona.

Midfield Rebuild Continues After Signing Bouaddi

Though City have secured the signing of the highly rated 18-year-old Bouaddi, their interest in Fernandez remains intact. According to The Guardian, Maresca is keen on adding more quality to the squad’s engine room even after spending heavily on new signings this summer.

• Rodri’s Exit: Moved to Barcelona, leaving a gap in midfield
• Spending So Far: £116 million on England’s Elliot Anderson
• Bouaddi Deal: Worth €95 million (£81.4 million) plus €5 million (£4.28 million) in add-ons

Despite this investment, Fernandez remains a target as Maresca looks to strengthen the team further.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: City's Latest Midfield Investment

The Morocco international attracted attention from top clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea before City won the race. He has made nearly 100 appearances for Lille and holds the record as their youngest-ever player, debuting at just 16 years and three days old in a Conference League match in September 2023.

The deal makes Bouaddi Lille's most expensive sale, surpassing the €80 million Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019. He has signed a long-term contract with City until 2031, with an option for an extra year.

Fernandez Remains a Priority for Maresca

City's commitment to Bouaddi hasn't stopped them from chasing Fernandez. Earlier this summer, the Chelsea midfielder expressed his wish to leave Stamford Bridge after his move to Real Madrid fell through. He’s reportedly interested in reuniting with Maresca, who coached him during his time at Chelsea.

The main hurdle is Chelsea’s high asking price of £120 million for Fernandez, which City finds too steep. The Argentine’s valuation is a sticking point as City weigh their options near the end of the transfer window, especially after their recent big spending spree.

City’s Midfield Concerns Exposed at Bournemouth

Maresca’s push for reinforcements comes after a shaky start to the Premier League season. In their opening match at Bournemouth, City found themselves behind after Marcus Tavernier scored first. They managed to turn the game around, winning 2-1 thanks to late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol.

While City earned three points, the performance highlighted vulnerabilities in midfield following Rodri’s exit. Bouaddi is set to be a key long-term player, but whether City will stretch their budget again for Fernandez depends on Chelsea dropping their price.