Enzo Maresca identifies 'dream' Rodri replacement and it would rock the Premier League

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to replace the departing Rodri, according to a new report - but how realistic is his so-called 'dream'?

It looks like Rodri will swap Manchester for Barcelona in the coming days, with widespread reports suggesting he has prioritised a move to the Catalan giants over rivals Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who has entered the final year of his contract at Manchester City, had been presented with a 'substantial financial offer' from Madrid in recent days.

But following extensive talks, he opted for a move to Barca, according to a report from AS, which claims he pointed to their style of play and the legacy of Pep Guardiola, amongst other things, when deciding his next club.

Rodri's departure will leave a gaping hole in City's midfield as they look to challenge for the Premier League title. So, will they sign a replacement?

As well as club record transfer Elliot Anderson, it appears 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is being lined up as Rodri's long-term replacement, with personal terms already being agreed for the Moroccan.

As mentioned above, Enzo Fernandez is also being linked with a move to City. Sky's Gianluca Di Marzio claimed on Thursday night that the Argentine is Maresca's 'dream' addition.

Maresca is a huge fan of Enzo Fernandez. Image credit: Getty

The report adds: "While Maresca's admiration for the Argentine is beyond question, it remains to be seen whether negotiations for the 2001-born midfielder will be possible."

Of course, the pair shared a strong relationship during their time at Chelsea. Earlier this year, Fernandez voiced his displeasure at the sudden departure of Maresca, who was replaced by Liam Rosenior.

"Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity," said the midfielder. "He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad."

Fernandez added: “But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously, his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season; it cuts everything short.”

Maresca was very consistent in his praise for Fernandez during his 18-month spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, but whether he can convince the Argentine to make the move to Manchester is another matter.

The 25-year-old's future remains uncertain after he flirted with a move to Real Madrid earlier this year.

Enzo Fernandez's teammate urges him to stay at Chelsea

Earlier this week, midfielder Moises Caicedo made a plea to his Chelsea teammate.

“I love Enzo. He knows I have a lot of respect for him," he said. "We know the player he is and he is also a great person. I want him to stay. If he stays here he is going to be massive for us. For sure, he is going to think and do what is best for him.”