[Getty Images] Enzo Maresca has been in his new job as Manchester City boss just six weeks, but already he may be on the cusp of having to make a tough decision. With Rodri heavily linked with a move back to his native Spain, Maresca's first challenge may well be to find a replacement for a World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d'Or winner. Rodri, 30, is in the final year of his contract and City have already rejected a £38.5m bid from Barcelona following interest from Real Madrid. After helping the Blues win the Treble in 2023 then triumphing at the Euros with Spain a year later, an anterior cruciate ligament injury derailed Rodri's dominance somewhat. But he showed glimpses of his brilliance for City last season before returning to the Rodri of old as he captained Spain to World Cup success in the summer. His stock is high, and a move from Manchester after seven seasons with the club would leave a huge hole for Maresca to fill. So who are the leading candidates to step into the Spaniard's boots? Ayyoub Bouaddi Age: 18 Country: Morocco Club: Lille Talk of City signing Bouaddi has been rumbling all summer, and the club have reportedly held talks with the Moroccan, who would cost an estimated £85m. Bouaddi is said to be keen on the move. The teenager impressed at this summer's World Cup after a starring role in Lille's Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 announced him on the big stage. Bouaddi functions as a deep-lying conductor - much in the same vein as Rodri - and would complement summer signing Elliot Anderson, who is more of a box-to-box midfielder. Taking into account the loss of Bernardo Silva, it is not just Rodri that City are trying to replace and, with 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Bouaddi possesses a level of experience beyond his age. Enzo Fernandez Age: 25 Country: Argentina Club: Chelsea City have been heavily linked with Fernandez, and he is currently the favoured option for Maresca, who worked with him at Chelsea. But the London club are expected to stand firm on their £120m valuation - a hefty sum considering City have already spent £116m on Anderson. Maresca made Fernandez captain at Chelsea in the absence of Reece James. The Italian clearly sees Fernandez as not only a talented player but also a leader, something City would be shorn of should Rodri move on. No-one has made more Premier League appearances under Maresca than the Argentine, whose attacking intent and runs into the opposition box are attractive. Fernandez returned to Chelsea training this week after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final, where he was sent off as they lost to Spain. And Chelsea have set a deadline of 17:00 BST on Friday for any offers for him as they look to bring an end to uncertainty over his future before the season. The club are said to be willing to fully reintegrate him into the squad and would continue to regard him as a key player. Fernandez scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances for Chelsea last season. Of the options in this list, he also comes out on top for successful passes, passes into the box and successful passes into the final third. Alex Scott Age: 22 Country: England Club: Bournemouth City have explored a potential move for England international Scott this summer. The 22-year-old has rejected contract offers from the Cherries amid interest from other Premier League teams, though his current deal does not expire until 2028 and the club have expressed their desire to keep him. Bournemouth rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea for the midfielder last month and made it clear that any further approaches would not be welcomed. Advances from Arsenal have also been knocked back. Scott's energy and ball-carrying ability suit Maresca's preferred style of play - with a heavy emphasis on possession - while his passes into the box and ability to win duels make him an appealing option. Alexis Mac Allister Age: 27 Country: Argentina Club: Liverpool Perhaps the most surprising name to be linked with City is Mac Allister, but the Blues have explored a potential move for him. The Argentine is into the final two years of his contract at Anfield and has been a consistent presence in the Reds' midfield during his time there, though he struggled for form during a troublesome 2025-26 season. As a Premier League winner, Mac Allister would bring top-flight experience and be a ready-made candidate to slot into City's midfield. A versatile player, he can play as a holding midfielder or as a more box-to-box option. As the oldest option on this list, Mac Allister would also offer a wealth of experience. City's leadership dilemma Should Rodri depart, Maresca's side are somewhat lacking in leaders, with club captain Silva and experienced campaigners John Stones and Nathan Ake also leaving. Maresca is believed to want a homegrown player in the leadership group, which consists of Rodri, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland. Despite his outspoken nature, Haaland does not seem suited to Maresca's demands of a captain on the pitch, which leaves Dias as the front-runner for the armband. "Erling was one of the first to send a message when I joined the club," said Maresca. "At Leicester and Chelsea I had a rule that when we scored the captain had to come to the bench, not to celebrate, but for instructions. But if he scores, then he can celebrate. "If Erling is the captain, we have a problem... can you imagine?" Phil Foden has captained City during pre-season and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a vocal presence on the pitch, while defender Marc Guehi skippered former club Crystal Palace.
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