The Argentina international is under contract at the London club until the summer of 2032 and after being at the centre of controversy earlier this season under former manager Liam Rosenior, he could depart the Blues this summer.
Fernandez notched 15 goals and 19 assists in 79 games under Maresca and is said to be loyal to the Italian manager who he respected behind the scenes.
As Maresca is set to replace Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, reports have stated that Fernandez will be his first target as he tries to rebuild a midfield that will lose Bernardo Silva at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the best and most important players for Chelsea over the years but has seen his role diminish in the side since the arrival of Rosenior and now interim boss Calum McFarlane.
It is yet to be seen what new manager Xabi Alonso will have planned for Fernandez but he is said to be handed more control of transfers heading into the summer, meaning it may be up to him if he wants to sell the playmaker.
The Independent report Chelsea would just be unlikely to recoup the £100m-plus paid for Fernandez, meaning City may have to blow the majority of their transfer budget on him if a deal is to be agreed.