The first Premier League round is over and that with only one draw. (Liverpool v Newcastle)
The Enzo Maresca manager’s side are working hard to bolster their squad with two big names.
Manchester City have stepped up contact with the camp of Enzo Fernández – Chelsea’s midfield general – and at the same time opened negotiations for Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo, who is priced at €70 million. Both are dream players for Enzo Maresca.
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The managers in charge of planning under Maresca’s command aim to close both signings before the window closes – to complete the squad along with the transfers of Ayyoub Bouaddi (€95 million) and Allan Elias (€40 million).
Daily conversations about Enzo Fernández between City and Chelsea
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City’s management has daily phone calls with Javier Pastore – Fernández’s representative – to keep the transfer alive. Manager Enzo Maresca insists internally that the Argentine midfielder must come, while Chelsea will only let him go if they get financial guarantees to strengthen their own squad before the deadline expires.
Fernández remains a top tactical priority for the Manchester midfielder, but they are still waiting to make a formal bid – after the outstanding sale from their own squad has been cleared. Direct talks between the clubs will determine whether the transfer can be completed before the summer transfer window closes.
Negotiations with Liverpool for Cody Gakpo
At the same time, sporting directors have been looking into the terms of signing Gakpo – the 27-year-old Dutch international who has 51 goals and 23 assists in 181 appearances for Liverpool. After he extended his contract in August 2025 to 2030, Anfield has set the price at €70 million – this according to initial talks reported by Sky Sport Italia.
The striker scored 18 goals and had 7 assists in 49 games in the 2024/25 season. He has also netted 3 goals in the 2026 World Cup – and scored on Sunday in the opening game against Newcastle United. Despite Tottenham trying to sign him in the past, Manchester City are now moving forward in talks with his agents to assess how he fits into the attacking rotation.
Two commandments – and two decisions
Manchester City will make a formal bid to Chelsea for Fernández in the next 48 hours. In this meeting between the club’s top clubs, the Manchester management will try to set the terms for the transfer – before then making the final bid to Liverpool for Gakpo.
The transfer window is ticking towards the end – and City intend to strike with full force.
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