Real Madrid have stated they have no intention of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer. This follows reports linking the Argentina international with a move to the Spanish club.
Despite claims of interest from Real Madrid, the club issued a statement on Friday, asserting that these reports “do not correspond to reality.” The statement clarified that Real Madrid has not made any direct or indirect efforts to sign Fernandez and has no plans to pursue such an operation.
Chelsea, for their part, have confirmed that they have not received any official club-to-club approach from Real Madrid regarding Fernandez. The London club values the midfielder at £120m should any serious interest emerge, but they are not actively looking to sell him and would prefer to keep him as a key player under their new coach, Xabi Alonso.
Sources close to Fernandez suggest he is keen to leave Chelsea, especially after the club failed to secure European qualification last season. A move to the Spanish capital is understood to be his preferred option.
Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, has publicly discussed the player’s future, indicating that a failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a factor in his desire to move. Pastore has also suggested that Fernandez is underpaid at Chelsea.
In April, Fernandez received a two-game suspension from former manager Liam Rosenior after publicly stating he was unsure about his future at Chelsea and expressed a desire to live in Madrid. These comments, made in Spanish-language interviews following Chelsea’s dip in form and Champions League exit, created an uncomfortable situation for the club.
Despite the challenges, Chelsea views the situation as manageable. There is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help mend his relationship with supporters through strong performances on the pitch.
Real Madrid’s public distancing from Fernandez is considered a significant blow for the player and his representatives. Similar private signals have reportedly been given by sources at Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, both of whom had previously been linked with the midfielder.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that there have been “zero contacts” between Chelsea and Real Madrid regarding a deal for Fernandez. He noted that Real Madrid considers Fernandez as one of five midfield options and that any potential signing would depend on player departures from their squad.
Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari also indicated that Real Madrid would need to make a “sacrifice” to present an offer for Fernandez. Longari added that Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester City have now entered the race to gather information on the Argentina international.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in February 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107m, shortly after helping Argentina win the World Cup. He has since won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season, and remains an important player for Argentina at this summer’s World Cup.
Real Madrid has already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer in a deal valued at up to £51.8m.
The Spanish club’s statement also expressed respect for Fernandez and Chelsea FC, highlighting their excellent institutional relationship. They regretted that unfounded speculations continue to circulate, causing confusion among fans and potentially harming the involved parties. Real Madrid issued a similar statement last month to deny reports linking them with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Sam Whitlock is a Sports News Writer at News-GB.org. He moved from local newspapers into digital sport. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Gloucester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight game. “Clarity beats cleverness in breaking sport news.”