Manchester City Eye Enzo Fernandez as Rodri Replacement

Manchester City is not only moving to sign young Moroccan international Ayoub Bouaddi to replace the departed Spanish midfielder Rodri, who has joined Barcelona, but the English club is also exploring the possibility of acquiring Argentine Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea's midfielder, during the current summer transfer window.

According to Facundo Di Scala, a journalist at Cadena Ser, along with English media reports including BBC Sport, Enzo Fernandez is the first choice that Manchester City have set to replace Rodri in the event of his departure.

Fernandez's future is also tied to the player's wish to leave the London club, a desire he and his agent previously expressed during the World Cup. The Argentine has faced criticism from some Chelsea fans for his participation and celebration during Argentina's match against England in the recent World Cup semi-final.

Tensions have escalated between Fernandez and Chelsea fans after the player was booed during the team's last match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea appears open to selling their Argentine midfielder, but they have set a financial demand of at least €140 million. The club had initially set August 14 as the deadline for completing the sale, but that date has passed while they remain open to the player's departure.

Mariska sees Fernandez as capable of playing the perfect backup role for Rodri, which enhances Manchester City's chances of moving to try to sign him in the coming days.

Meanwhile, English media reports indicate that Manchester City is not ruling out the scenario of signing both Enzo Fernández and Ayoub Bouaddi together, in a move that could reshape the team's midfield following Rodri's departure.