Maresca Targets Chelsea Duo as City Rebuilds

Manchester City’s new era under Enzo Maresca is barely underway, but the Italian is already looking back to move forward.

According to multiple reports, Maresca wants to reunite with two familiar faces from Chelsea, while Tottenham Hotspur are pushing ahead with a move for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun in a deal that could reach €60 million. Across Europe, clubs are scrambling to reshape their squads before the window shuts, and the names involved are getting bigger by the day.

Maresca eyes Chelsea duo for City rebuild

Maresca’s first City squad is still taking shape, yet his transfer priorities are clear. He is strongly interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, a player he knows well and one who has not hidden his openness to leaving Stamford Bridge this summer.

The problem is the price.

Chelsea are said to want around £120 million for the World Cup winner, a fee that stands as the main obstacle to any agreement and underlines their determination to keep him. City admire Fernández’s range of passing and control in midfield, but even for a club of their financial power, that valuation represents a serious decision point.

Maresca’s gaze does not stop there. He is also keen on Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as a possible replacement for Savinho. Neto’s direct running and one‑v‑one threat fit the profile City want out wide, and his familiarity with Maresca’s demands only strengthens the case. Chelsea, though, know they hold leverage with two in-demand players and no pressing need to sell.

Tottenham move on Balogun as race heats up

North London is busy as well. Tottenham have started laying the groundwork for talks over AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, with French outlet L’Equipe reporting that a deal could be worth around €60 million.

Interest in the 25-year-old has simmered all summer. Clubs from England and Spain have tracked him closely, but Newcastle United are the only other side specifically named alongside Spurs in the latest report. Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano also notes that Galatasaray and several Saudi Pro League clubs have made calls about Balogun in recent days.

Tottenham’s push suggests they see him as a major piece for the present, not just a depth option. If they move decisively now, they may steal a march on rivals who have so far only monitored the situation.

Arsenal prospect offered to United as reshuffle continues

Arsenal’s own summer restructuring is beginning to ripple across the Premier League. The Guardian reports that defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has been offered to Manchester United as the Gunners look to claw back some of the £75 million spent on Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

Chelsea have also been informed of the 19-year-old’s availability, though it remains unclear whether they will step into the race. His prospective value is thought to be around £45 million, a sizeable outlay for a teenager still at the start of his senior career.

At Old Trafford, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall remains the primary target for the left-back role. New Magpies boss Matthias Jaissle is determined to keep the 21-year-old, having already lost Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. Newcastle’s stance leaves United juggling options as they try to reshape their back line without overpaying.

Al Nassr test Maignan’s resolve at Milan

In Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr are again aiming high. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club are showing interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose future at San Siro has come under scrutiny.

A face-to-face meeting between Maignan and Milan is expected to clarify both sides’ positions. Al Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading their project and Bento set to be replaced, are looking for a new No. 1. What remains unknown is whether the 31-year-old Maignan is willing to swap Serie A and Champions League nights for the Saudi Pro League.

Barcelona clear path for Torres exit and keep pushing for Rodri

In Spain, Barcelona are managing both exits and ambitious arrivals.

Ferran Torres has been granted permission to stay away from training while Barça negotiate his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, a source told ESPN. The forward was due back on Wednesday after three weeks off, having scored the winning goal in the World Cup final for Spain. His absence from the training ground underlines how advanced talks have become as all parties work toward a solution.

At the same time, Barcelona remain optimistic about signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri. A source told ESPN that Barça failed with an opening bid of around €50 million last week but are still in negotiations. They also plan to offer Marc Bernal an improved contract as they try to lock down the club’s next generation while chasing one of Europe’s elite holding midfielders.

Done deals: Chelsea and Palace make their moves

Some business is already over the line.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria in a £16.3 million move, adding depth and competition on the flank as they continue a sweeping rebuild of the squad.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have secured Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with an option to make the deal permanent. It’s the kind of move that gives Palace flexibility: a chance to test the player at Premier League level before committing long term.

Europe’s market accelerates

Around the continent, negotiations are picking up pace:

Free agent striker Dusan Vlahovic has a verbal agreement with Besiktas.
Fenerbahce have an agreement with Napoli for Romelu Lukaku in a deal worth over €6 million plus bonuses.
Tottenham have shown interest in Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini.
Manchester United are weighing talks with Club Brugge over a potential £30 million move for Joaquin Seys.
Paris Saint-Germain have a deal in principle with Parma for a €35 million package for Zion Suzuki, with plans to immediately loan him to Juventus.
Borussia Dortmund are close to an offer of €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons for Köln winger Said El Mala, with personal terms already agreed.
Roma have a verbal agreement with Porto for a loan move for Rodrigo Mora worth around €7 million, including a conditional obligation to buy.
Como remain determined to sign Fiorentina striker Moise Kean and will renew contacts soon.
Lazio are in talks with Inter Milan over Davide Frattesi on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
Everton want to bring Kyle Walker back to the Premier League after his relegation with Burnley.
Napoli are expected to step up efforts for Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile, with an initial loan under discussion.
Juventus are ready to raise their offer for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi to €20 million and have proposed loaning Juan Cabal with an option to buy.
With Chelsea open to loan proposals for Mykhaylo Mudryk, the winger prefers a Premier League move despite interest from Strasbourg and clubs in Italy.
Brentford are preparing a new bid close to £40 million for West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Big names, big numbers, and little time. As Maresca chases old allies, Spurs circle Balogun, and Barcelona push for Rodri, the question now is simple: who blinks first in a window that is starting to feel ruthless at the very top?