'An enormous transaction' - Stefan Borson drops verdict as £120m-valued star could replace Rodri at Man City

Manchester City could still secure a deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez as Rodri edges closer to an emotional departure this summer.

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that Enzo Maresca will want a replacement for the No.16 on top of Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Citizens have already splashed £116million on Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with Lille's 18-year-old gem likely to be next for £86m.

It is widely understood that the Blues would want £120m to part ways with Fernandez, with interest also emerging from La Liga giants Real Madrid.

However, due to his connections to Maresca, the links with a move to the Etihad Stadium are going nowhere, and are now stronger than ever thanks to Rodri's situation.

Pep Guardiola's successor is clearly trying to put his own spin on the squad, and Borson would not be surprised to see a move for Fernandez materialise.

Enzo Fernandez 'question mark' emerges over Chelsea future

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson raised the question over the 25-year-old Argentine potentially coming in as Rodri's replacement this summer.

"They do want to replace him if he goes, and that's above and beyond the [Ayyoub] Bouaddi deal, which I think will still happen regardless," he said.

"I think City plan to be pretty busy between now and the close of the window. They want to buy and sell. Chelsea, I still see Chelsea being busy between now and the window closing.

"There's still a question mark over whether Enzo Fernandez goes, which would be an enormous transaction. Is he the [Rodri] replacement to City?

"So there's still loads to happen. But it's a question of whether City are prepared to play that game with Rodri.

"Or whether they just go, 'Look, if you haven't brought the offer by the Charity Shield, we're not selling this summer.'"

Man City must wait for Rodri domino to fall

All signs currently point towards Rodri leaving this summer, meaning that City could soon be making a move for Chelsea's No.8.

Borson told Football Insider that the Citizens will likely want any exit sealed before the Community Shield clash with Arsenal on Sunday, 16 August.

Only then will Maresca's side be likely to make a move for Fernandez, who could be looking to throw the towel in at Stamford Bridge after the World Cup.

With 16 goals and 10 assists in 61 games for Chelsea last season, though, he would be an incredible addition to the City squad.