Pep Guardiola reportedly intends to offer Fernandinho a new one-year deal at Manchester City after claiming that the Brazilian is among the top three defensive midfielders in the world.
Fernandinho has played a big part in the Citizens' near-perfect start to the campaign, which has seen them win 15 and draw one of their opening 16 matches - a run that includes a penalty shootout victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup last week.
The 32-year-old has been used in 15 of those matches and is almost certain to start Sunday afternoon's showdown with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
"Right now he is one of the best, best, best three holding midfield players," Guardiola told reporters. "His achievement is at another level. With his mentality he gives us a lot. With the ball, without the ball.
"Last season we cannot forget that he played at full-back many times with no complaints. He just asked how he has done, how he can improve. When you have a lot of players in one squad with this mentality you can dream to win games. All the managers know the value of this kind of player."
According to the Daily Star, Fernandinho will be given the chance to extend his time in Manchester until the end of the 2018-19 campaign.
The Brazil international joined City from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £34m deal in June 2013.
Daniel Lewis
