Maresca admits Manchester City want more leaders as he targets Fernández

Enzo Maresca has admitted that Manchester City are working to bring in one or two players with captain material before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday night. The club have lost the leadership and experience of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, John Stones and Nathan Aké this summer.

• Maresca wants to sign one or two captains before Tuesday night's deadline.
• Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland have been named as captains, but the manager wants more leadership options.
• Enzo Fernández, the 25-year-old Chelsea midfielder, is one of the players City are targeting.
• Jack Grealish could leave on loan and Omar Marmoush is expected to join Tottenham, which would open a spot for another forward.
• City are monitoring Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, and Matheus Nunes is a doubt for Friday's trip to Crystal Palace.

Finding new captains after losing Silva, Rodri, Stones and Aké

Manchester City's squad has lost a significant amount of leadership during this summer window. The departures of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, John Stones and Nathan Aké have removed several players who had carried responsibility on and off the pitch for years.

Maresca has named Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland as his captains, but the Italian believes the squad needs more players capable of stepping into that role. He addressed the situation openly: "We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four-five more days when the transfer window closes if we can add one or two more captains to Rúben and Erling."

Why Enzo Fernández fits City's leadership search

One of the players Maresca has identified for that role is Enzo Fernández. The 25-year-old midfielder has captained Chelsea, which matches the type of leadership profile City want to add to the dressing room.

Chelsea had set 14 August as the deadline for any bid to be lodged, and that date passed without a formal offer. Even so, Manchester City are still keeping an eye on the Argentine international and are expected to make a move for him before the window closes.

Cody Gakpo watched as Omar Marmoush closes in on Tottenham move

The pursuit of Enzo Fernández comes after the departures of Rodri and Nico González, and the squad could also need reinforcements up front. Omar Marmoush is expected to join Tottenham, which would leave a gap in the attacking positions.

With that in mind, City are monitoring Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman is one of the names on their list to strengthen the attack if the Egyptian's exit is confirmed.

Grealish's future uncertain amid Sunderland loan interest

Jack Grealish remains at the centre of speculation. Sunderland have shown interest in taking the England winger on loan, and Maresca has not ruled out a departure.

The manager gave an open answer about the player's future: "Jack is here until the day that he's not here. It's my duty to try to help him to give us the best and then we'll see in the next four-five days what happens." The message leaves the door open to either outcome before deadline day.

Matheus Nunes a doubt for Crystal Palace trip

On the pitch, Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park on Friday for a Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace. Maresca has one fitness concern in his squad: Matheus Nunes is struggling and his involvement will depend on how he progresses over the coming days.

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