Manchester City have rejected an initial offer from Barcelona for Rodri, with the Spanish club’s proposal described as too low for the Spain midfielder, according to Sky in Italy. The development comes amid ongoing discussion around whether Rodri will push for a move, and City’s reported approach has been clear: if the player requests to leave, they would not stand in his way. For City, the key question is not only whether a departure happens, but what sort of replacement can be secured in time, and at what cost.
Rodri’s situation is being treated as one to monitor rather than a done deal. City’s position, as relayed through the Sky report, suggests a pragmatic stance—City will not actively block him if he decides he wants to move on. That said, the club is also understood to be weighing up the market and replacement options, implying that any exit would have to be planned around the right valuation and timing.
Barcelona’s first move is not believed to have met City’s expectations. The Sky report indicates that the bid was “considered far too low,” highlighting the distance between Barcelona’s offer and what City would view as fair value for a player of Rodri’s profile and importance. In transfer negotiations, that kind of gap can quickly shift the dynamics—either a higher follow-up bid is made, or interest is forced to wait while the selling club holds firm on its valuation.
As the speculation grows, a name increasingly associated with City is Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. Sky in Italy reports that Fernández would be manager Enzo Maresca’s “dream” signing if Rodri does leave. The link is logical: Maresca is familiar with Fernández from their time at Stamford Bridge, and that prior working relationship appears to be influencing City’s scouting and recruitment priorities. City, currently assessing options for a potential replacement, are reportedly looking at ways to bring in quality that fits Maresca’s plans without losing balance in the squad.
Further reporting from the Independent says City are exploring a move for Fernández in light of Rodri’s expected exit to Spain, with Barcelona or Real Madrid framed as possible destinations in that account. The Independent also notes that Maresca is highly rated Fernández and that they worked together previously at Chelsea, before Maresca succeeded Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. In other words, City’s interest is not just generic “replacement shopping”—it is connected to a specific tactical and personnel preference from the head coach.
Enzo Fernández’s current status at Chelsea adds another layer. He is due back at Chelsea training next week after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina. However, questions remain over his future at Stamford Bridge even as he is tied to a contract until 2032. On top of the contract length, there is the question of whether the player and the club can align on the terms of his role and compensation, especially as reported negotiations and discussions appear to be ongoing.
Chelsea, according to Sky in Italy’s account, value Fernández at £120m. That figure sets a clear reference point for City’s planning: if Rodri’s sale or expected move accelerates, City’s budget and willingness to meet valuations will be tested. The number also underscores how competitive the market can be for top-level midfielders, particularly when the player is being seen by the manager as a preferred solution rather than a compromise option.
Background details about Fernández’s relationship with Chelsea also inform the storyline. Sky in Italy reports that Fernández was left out of the squad for two games in April after admitting he would like to live in Madrid. Following that, he and his agent apologised for the comments, and both are described as seeking improved terms at Chelsea. That mix—on-field talent, off-field preferences, and the leverage that comes with a long contract—can shape how negotiations progress if a buyer comes forward with a serious offer.
Enzo Fernández’s profile is also relevant to how City might use him. The Independent notes he has mostly alternated between roles as a No 10 and as a box-to-box midfielder. It adds that City might deploy him deeper at times if tactics require it, particularly if another player—Anderson—is given permission to push forward. That suggests City are not simply targeting a like-for-like replacement for Rodri’s specific skill set; they could be aiming to restructure the midfield to match Maresca’s preferred patterns of play.
Transfermarkt’s live updates reinforce the perception that City’s interest is concrete rather than speculative. It describes Manchester City as retaining “serious interest” in Fernández and suggests they could move for the Chelsea midfielder this summer. The same source also highlights that Maresca worked with the Argentine during his Stamford Bridge spell and is pushing for the signing. While transfer windows often bring noise, repeated links from different outlets can indicate that internal discussions are already underway, not just public rumour.
For now, the centre of gravity remains Rodri: if he asks to leave, City would not stand in his way; if Barcelona’s next bid rises closer to City’s expectations, negotiations could intensify. But with Chelsea valuing Fernández at £120m and City reportedly viewing him as Maresca’s preferred option, any move for the midfielder would likely require significant financial and sporting commitments. The coming weeks should clarify whether City secure a deal early enough to plan properly—or whether the replacement market becomes a scramble once Rodri’s destination and timing are confirmed.
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