Real Madrid have stated they have no intention of pursuing a transfer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer. This comes after reports linked the Argentina international with a move to the Spanish club.
Sources close to Fernandez suggest he is keen to leave Chelsea, particularly after the club failed to secure European qualification last season. A move to the Spanish capital was understood to be his preferred option. However, Real Madrid issued a statement on Friday, asserting that these reports do not align with reality.
Real Madrid’s Official Stance
The statement from Real Madrid clarified their position, indicating they have not made any direct or indirect efforts to sign Fernandez, nor do they intend to undertake such an operation. The club expressed respect for Fernandez as a footballer and for Chelsea FC, highlighting their excellent institutional relationship.
Chelsea have also confirmed that they have not received any club-to-club approach from Real Madrid for the midfielder. The Blues value the midfielder at £120m should serious interest emerge, but they are not actively looking to sell him and would prefer to retain him as a key player under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid’s statement further added that they regret the continued dissemination of information that does not reflect reality, stating it only creates confusion among fans and unnecessarily harms the involved parties. This follows a similar statement issued last month by the European champions regarding reports linking them with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
Fernandez’s Situation at Chelsea
Fernandez’s desire to potentially leave Stamford Bridge has been evident through public comments made in Spanish-language interviews, especially after Chelsea’s dip in form and their Champions League exit to Paris St-Germain. During international duty, he spoke about a potential move to Spain, which led to an internal two-match suspension from former boss Liam Rosenior.
His agent, Javier Pastore, has also publicly discussed Fernandez’s future, suggesting that the player is underpaid at Chelsea and that the failure to qualify for the Champions League could become a factor in his decision-making. These comments have created an uncomfortable situation for Chelsea, given Fernandez’s importance to the team.
Last season, Fernandez contributed to the team across all competitions and served as vice-captain. He was signed by Chelsea from Benfica in February 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107m, shortly after helping Argentina win the World Cup for a third time at the end of 2022. He has since won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Despite the challenging situation, Chelsea do not view it as irreparable. There is a belief within the club that Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help mend his relationship with supporters through strong performances on the pitch.
Real Madrid have already completed one transfer with Chelsea this summer, acquiring Spain left-back Marc Cucurella in a deal valued at up to £51.8m.
The recent statement from Real Madrid represents a significant setback for Enzo Fernandez and his representatives, as a move to the Spanish capital was understood to be his preferred option.
Chelsea, however, have remained consistent in their stance, willing to consider offers only if their £120m valuation is met.
Fernandez is currently playing in a World Cup, with his agent confirming he is focused on the national team while exploring options.
Source: bbc.co.uk