Manchester City face Italian champions Inter Milan on Saturday, in their first friendly of the summer so far.
This summer has marked a period of significant change for the Citizens, with Enzo Maresca having replaced Pep Guardiola at the helm after the latter’s decade-long spell at the club came to an end.
The likes of John Stones and Bernardo Silva also departed The Etihad when their contracts expired at the end of last season, and Nathan Ake is among those to have left since the transfer window opened; the Dutchman has joined Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce.
Ahead of their season-opener against Arsenal in the Community Shield, however, it has emerged that City are eyeing an audacious move to sign two players from a Premier League rival.
As per CaughtOffside, Manchester City are eyeing moves to sign both Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer.
The report suggests that Maresca – who managed Chelsea until January this year – is keen to be reunited with the two players and has set his sights on luring the duo to Manchester.
Fernandez has established himself as a key player for Chelsea (Photo: Paul Marriott/Alamy)
Fernandez, 25, has made 169 appearances for the Blues since his record-breaking £106 million transfer from Portuguese side Benfica in 2023.
The Argentine has been questioned at times for his inconsistency, but enjoyed a fine campaign last term during which the central midfielder netted 15 goals in all competitions.
Gusto – a full-back – also joined Chelsea in 2023 after impressing for former side Lyon in the French top flight.
He has played more than 130 times for the club, but the report suggests that City are keen to land the Frenchman.
Chelsea, however, are said to have set a high asking price for the defender as they do not want to lose him, and this may deter City’s interest.