Enzo Fernandez is being lined up by Man City as a potential Rodri replacement, and a potential price has even been named.

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Two big transfer stories are advancing pretty quickly right now, and they’re both closely related.

Rodri’s future at Manchester City has been uncertain all summer, but it’s only in the last few days  that rumours have started picking up momentum.

According to those in the know (like Fabrizio Romano), the midfielder has chosen Barcelona, and is now just waiting for his club to agree a fee with them. If he goes, there will be a big hole left in Enzo Maresca’s midfield, hence the other rumour.

The links between City and Enzo Fernandez are well established, but Miguel Delaney’s piece for the Independent today goes into more detail about a potential deal.

Enzo could get unexpected escape route from Chelsea

The crucial detail in there is that Chelsea value the Argentine at £120m. They paid £106m for him in January 2023, and he’s since produced a lot of goals and assists despite playing in some imperfect teams.

He made his desire to leave the club clear back in the spring, with Real Madrid his preferred destination. But when Los Blancos made it clear that they didn’t want to sign him, it looked like he might be left high and dry at Stamford Bridge.

City can offer him an unexpected exit, but it will take some doing. Chelsea want a huge fee and it’s far from clear how much City are willing to pay.

The midfielder is expected back at Chelsea training next week – if he doesn’t show up, things could be about to get very interesting.