Manchester City are reportedly considering an extraordinary double move for Chelsea pair Enzo Fernández and Malo Gusto as new manager Enzo Maresca begins shaping the squad for the next chapter at the Etihad Stadium.
The two players are understood to remain admired by Maresca following the time he spent working with them at Stamford Bridge. Fernández became one of the central figures in the Italian coach’s midfield, while Gusto’s pace, flexibility and technical ability allowed him to perform several roles within Chelsea’s tactical structure.
A combined deal could potentially cost City around £200 million. Chelsea have reportedly valued Gusto at approximately £75 million, while Fernández could require an offer in the region of £120 million or more.
However, the suggested figure should not be mistaken for a formal package already submitted by Manchester City.
Current reports indicate that neither transfer is at an advanced stage. City are assessing the possibilities, but Chelsea’s strong negotiating position and the enormous combined cost mean that completing both deals would be extremely difficult.
The speculation nevertheless provides an important insight into Maresca’s plans.
Manchester City are entering a period of significant transition following Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca has signed a three-year contract and has been given the responsibility of maintaining the club’s competitive standards while introducing his own tactical ideas.
Signing two players who already understand his methods could help accelerate that process.
Maresca Begins Building a New Manchester City
Replacing Pep Guardiola represents one of the most demanding managerial assignments in modern football.
During his decade at Manchester City, Guardiola constructed a dominant team, established a detailed positional system and collected an extraordinary number of trophies. His influence reached every area of the club, from recruitment to academy development.
Maresca is not expected to completely abandon that identity.
He previously worked within City’s coaching structure and led the club’s Elite Development Squad before returning as part of Guardiola’s senior staff. His football is also based on possession, positional rotations and controlled buildup.
However, continuity does not mean imitation.
Maresca has stated that City must continue evolving rather than attempting to preserve Guardiola’s team exactly as it was. Changes in personnel, tactical trends and the physical demands of the Premier League require a fresh approach.
Fernández and Gusto would offer familiarity during that transition.
Both players know how Maresca wants his teams to circulate possession. They understand the importance of positioning, patience and creating numerical advantages in central areas.
Their arrival could reduce the adaptation period normally required when a new manager begins rebuilding a squad.
Why Enzo Fernández Appeals to City
Fernández would represent the more expensive and influential part of the proposed double transfer. The Argentina international is capable of playing several midfield roles. He can operate as a deep playmaker, perform as one of two central midfielders or advance into areas closer to the opposition’s penalty box.
His passing range is one of his strongest qualities.
Fernández can receive possession from central defenders and switch the direction of an attack with a long diagonal delivery. He can also play shorter combinations through pressure and find runners between opposing lines.
That versatility would suit Manchester City.
Maresca wants midfielders who are comfortable receiving the ball even when opponents press aggressively. Players must constantly scan the pitch, understand the position of teammates and make decisions before possession arrives.
Fernández already has experience performing those tasks within Maresca’s system.
The midfielder was one of Chelsea’s busiest players during the 2025/26 season. He made 54 appearances, started 49 matches and registered 15 goals and seven assists in all competitions. He also regularly captained the team when Reece James was unavailable.
Those numbers demonstrate how his role has expanded.
Fernández was once viewed primarily as a distributor, but he has become increasingly influential in attacking areas. His ability to arrive late near the penalty area and strike from distance has added another dimension to his game.
City may believe he is ready to become one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League.
A Potential Successor Within City’s Midfield
Manchester City must consider the long-term structure of their midfield.
Rodri remains an elite holding midfielder, but his recent fitness problems have demonstrated the danger of depending too heavily on one player. Other established midfielders have either departed, entered the later stages of their careers or attracted interest from rival clubs.
City have already invested heavily in Elliot Anderson, but signing Fernández would create an even deeper group of midfield options.
Anderson provides energy, ball carrying and defensive intensity. Fernández offers passing range, control and greater experience directing possession from central areas.
Together, they could form part of a midfield designed for the post-Guardiola era.
Fernández would not necessarily replace Rodri directly.
He is at his best when given freedom to move rather than being restricted to a purely defensive holding role. However, he could play beside Rodri, support Anderson or operate as the deepest midfielder in matches where City dominate possession.
His tactical intelligence would give Maresca several possible combinations.
Chelsea Have Little Reason to Sell Fernández
Manchester City’s interest does not mean Chelsea are prepared to negotiate.
Fernández is one of the most valuable players in the squad and remains protected by a lengthy contract. Chelsea initially signed him from Benfica on a deal running until 2031, giving the club substantial control over his future.
He has also developed into a leader.
Selling a player who made more appearances than any Chelsea teammate during the previous season would weaken the team both technically and emotionally.
Chelsea are beginning another rebuilding period of their own. Allowing Fernández to join a major domestic rival could make that process even more difficult.
The Blues would therefore demand an exceptional fee.
Reports have previously placed Fernández’s valuation at approximately £120 million. That amount would allow Chelsea to recover or exceed much of their original investment, but it would still leave them needing to replace one of their most important players.
City would need to decide whether the midfielder offers enough improvement to justify such an enormous outlay.
The Attraction of Malo Gusto
Gusto represents a different type of opportunity.
Manchester City have been considering options at right-back as they prepare for changes within their defensive group. Gusto’s age, Premier League experience and relationship with Maresca make him an understandable target.
The French international is an attacking full-back with the speed to advance down the flank and recover defensively.
He is comfortable delivering crosses, combining with wide players and carrying possession into advanced areas. His technical security also allows him to move inside and operate closer to midfield.
That adaptability was important under Maresca at Chelsea.
Gusto has played on both sides of the defence, in midfield and even as an attacking player on the right. Chelsea’s own assessment has highlighted his ability to perform several tactical roles.
For Manchester City, this flexibility could be extremely useful.
Maresca often asks a full-back to move centrally during possession. The player may begin near the touchline before joining the midfield line, allowing another teammate to advance.
Gusto already understands those movements.
Why Gusto Could Suit the Etihad
Manchester City’s full-backs are expected to do far more than defend wide areas.
They must be able to receive under pressure, circulate possession and understand when to overlap or move into central positions.
Gusto has the athleticism to cover the entire flank.
When City attack, he could provide width outside the right winger. In another structure, he could step into midfield and help the team create an additional passing option.
His speed would also help during defensive transitions.
One risk of City’s possession-based approach is the space left behind when several players advance. A quick full-back can recover toward his own goal and reduce the danger of counterattacks.
Gusto’s age makes him particularly attractive.
He has already passed 100 Chelsea appearances but still has several years before reaching the traditional peak stage of a defender’s career.
City would be signing a proven Premier League player with room to improve rather than a short-term solution.
Chelsea’s £75 Million Valuation Creates a Problem
Chelsea reportedly want approximately £75 million before considering the sale of Gusto.
Manchester City are said to admire the player but currently value him considerably below that amount. The difference between the clubs has prevented the situation from developing into an advanced negotiation.
Chelsea’s price reflects several factors.
Gusto is young, experienced and under contract. He can cover multiple positions and already understands Premier League football.
The Blues must also consider the risk of selling him to Manchester City.
If Gusto succeeds at the Etihad, Chelsea could strengthen a direct rival while creating another position to address within their own squad.
A premium is therefore understandable.
From City’s perspective, however, £75 million would be an enormous fee for a full-back who may not automatically start every match.
The club must compare him with alternatives available in England and across Europe.
Could Gusto Replace an Existing City Defender?
Gusto’s arrival could depend on departures from Manchester City.
The club’s defensive structure is changing, with established players reaching the ends of contracts or considering new challenges.
If a senior right-sided defender leaves, Gusto would have a clearer pathway into the team.
He could compete as a traditional right-back, operate as a wing-back or move inside as an auxiliary midfielder.
His versatility might also allow City to maintain a smaller squad.
Instead of recruiting separate players for right-back, left-back and midfield cover, Maresca could use Gusto across several positions.
That creates additional value beyond his strongest role.
However, City must avoid paying an elite fee primarily for versatility. A £75 million player would need to become a major first-team contributor rather than simply provide useful cover.
Maresca’s Chelsea Connection
The speculation surrounding Fernández and Gusto is closely linked to Maresca’s history at Chelsea.
Managers often return for players they trust because familiarity reduces uncertainty.
Maresca knows how both players train, respond to tactical instructions and behave during difficult periods. He does not need to rely entirely on scouting footage or statistical projections.
Fernández became more productive under his guidance, while Gusto developed greater tactical flexibility.
That knowledge may explain why City are considering such ambitious moves.
However, familiarity can also create recruitment risks.
A manager may overvalue players who succeeded within a previous environment. Manchester City must ensure that any transfer fits the wider needs of the club rather than simply recreating Maresca’s Chelsea squad.
The recruitment department will therefore conduct its own evaluation.
The final decision must reflect ability, cost, age and tactical suitability.
The £200 Million Calculation
The headline figure is based on the reported valuations of both players.
If Chelsea demand approximately £120 million for Fernández and £75 million for Gusto, the total package would approach £195 million before bonuses, wages and agent fees.
That is why the potential move has been described as a £200 million double swoop.
Yet there is currently no evidence that City have offered that amount.
Reports describe the club’s interest as exploratory and make clear that neither deal is advancing at present.
This distinction matters because transfer headlines often combine estimated valuations to create the impression of a prepared bid.
In reality, City may pursue only one player, attempt to negotiate lower prices or abandon both possibilities.
The full cost would also extend beyond transfer fees.
Fernández would require a major salary, while Gusto’s representatives would seek terms reflecting his rising status. Signing bonuses, agent commissions and performance payments could push the total commitment far beyond £200 million.
Could City Afford Both Players?
Manchester City possess considerable financial strength, but even they must prioritise carefully.
The club have already made major investments during the summer and continue exploring other positions. Spending close to £200 million on two Chelsea players would significantly affect the remaining budget.
City must also comply with financial regulations.
Player sales could help create space, particularly if established squad members leave for substantial fees. Reducing the wage bill would also support further recruitment.
However, affordability is not the same as value.
City could potentially finance the transfers, but they must determine whether the money would produce the greatest possible improvement.
A midfielder and a right-back may be priorities, yet similar profiles could be available at lower prices.
The club’s recent success has often been built on refusing to become emotionally involved in negotiations. City have walked away from expensive targets when sellers demanded amounts beyond their valuation.
That discipline will be tested again.
Chelsea Would Resist a Double Raid
Chelsea would be reluctant to lose either player, but allowing both to join Manchester City would be especially damaging.
Fernández provides leadership and central control. Gusto offers defensive depth and tactical flexibility.
Selling both would remove two players with experience under several Chelsea managers and create major recruitment demands.
The transfers would also strengthen a direct Premier League rival.
Chelsea may accept that every player has a price, but the price for a domestic competitor is often higher than the amount requested from a foreign club.
They could also refuse to negotiate entirely unless the players themselves push for moves.
There is currently no confirmed indication that Fernández wants to join City.
Gusto has been described in some reports as open to reuniting with Maresca, but claims of a personal agreement have not been officially verified.
Chelsea remain in control because both players are under contract.
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