Enzo Maresca hints at more Man City signings as Enzo Fernandez bid looms

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has suggested the club could make one or two more additions before the transfer deadline, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez continuing to be strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

City have already overseen a huge squad overhaul following Pep Guardiola’s departure, while Omar Marmoush is now expected to become the latest player to leave.

Although Maresca refused to discuss Fernandez directly, his comments about wanting to add more leadership to his young squad will only increase speculation surrounding the Chelsea midfielder.

Marmoush is closing in on a move to Tottenham after the two clubs reached an agreement over a season-long loan.

Football Place understands the deal includes an obligation to buy for an initial £50million, along with £5m in guaranteed add-ons and another £5m in potential bonuses.

The Egypt international was booked in for his Tottenham medical on Wednesday, and Maresca confirmed the transfer is now close.

“Omar is set to leave, but it’s not done yet,” Maresca said.

“We are waiting for that but Nico Gonzalez left, Savio left and, probably, Omar is going to leave.”

It continues a remarkable summer of departures at the Etihad, with John Stones, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Tijjani Reijnders, James Trafford, Savio and Nico Gonzalez among those to have moved on.

Attention could soon switch towards Chelsea and Fernandez.

City are widely expected to make another attempt to sign the Argentina international before the September 1 deadline.

Fernandez worked under Maresca at Chelsea and became an important leader in his team, serving as vice-captain and regularly wearing the armband whenever Reece James was unavailable.

Maresca did not name Fernandez when discussing City's remaining transfer business, but he revealed that he would like to add more leadership to his squad.

“We have experienced players, for sure we have leaders,” he said.

“Now we need to wait 4-5 days for when the transfer window closes also to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling [Haaland].”

Those comments are particularly interesting given Fernandez’s leadership role under Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

City’s interest comes at a difficult stage of the window for Chelsea, with little time remaining to replace such an important midfielder if a deal is agreed.

Maresca described his current City squad as young despite the presence of several experienced players, potentially explaining why Fernandez remains an attractive target.

City have already confirmed the arrival of Ayyoub Bouaddi, although Maresca insisted there are currently no other incoming transfers on the verge of completion.

That could change quickly in the final days of the window.

Manchester City are expected to finalise Marmoush’s departure to Tottenham before turning their attention to the closing stages of the window.

The major question is whether City now formalise their interest in Enzo Fernandez with a late bid. Chelsea will be watching closely, particularly given how little time they would have to find a replacement if negotiations accelerate.