Enzo Fernandez: Real Madrid have 'no intention' of signing Chelsea midfielder this summerEnzo Fernandez: Real Madrid have 'no intention' of signing Chelsea midfielder this summer

Real Madrid have publicly stated they have no intention of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer. The Spanish club issued a statement denying recent reports suggesting their interest in the Argentina international. This announcement comes amidst speculation about Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.

According to sources, Fernandez is reportedly keen to leave Chelsea after the club did not secure European qualification last season. His agent, Javier Pastore, has indicated that his client is exploring options away from Chelsea, though nothing firm has been confirmed with any club. Fernandez himself has previously expressed a liking for the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid’s Official Stance

In a statement released on Friday, Real Madrid clarified their position. The club asserted that they have not made any direct or indirect efforts to sign Fernandez and have no intention of pursuing such an operation. The statement emphasized that the reports circulating in recent days “do not correspond to reality.”

Real Madrid reiterated their respect for Enzo Fernandez, acknowledging him as a talented footballer, and also for Chelsea FC, with whom they maintain an excellent institutional relationship. The club expressed regret that, despite the clear facts, information not reflecting reality continues to be circulated, potentially causing confusion among fans and harming the involved parties.

Chelsea, for their part, have confirmed that they have not received any club-to-club approach from Real Madrid regarding Fernandez. The Premier League club reportedly values the 25-year-old should serious interest materialize. However, Chelsea are not actively looking to sell him and would prefer to retain him as a key player under their new coach, Xabi Alonso.

Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during a training session
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during a training session Credit: bbc.co.uk

Fernandez’s Situation at Chelsea

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in February 2023 for a then-British record fee, shortly after helping Argentina win the World Cup. Since then, he has won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup with Chelsea, scoring 15 goals across all competitions last season.

The midfielder’s future at Chelsea has been a topic of discussion, particularly after comments he made in April suggesting uncertainty about his stay and an interest in living in Madrid. These remarks led to a two-game suspension from former boss Liam Rosenior. His agent, Javier Pastore, has also publicly discussed Fernandez’s future, hinting that failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a factor.

Despite these challenges, Chelsea’s position has remained consistent. While they are open to offers that meet their valuation, they are not actively seeking to sell Fernandez. 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 had previously signed Marc Cucurella.

Enzo Fernandez sticks a finger into his ear in celebration
Image caption,No Chelsea player played more Premier League minutes last season than Enzo Fernandez (3,121) Credit: bbc.co.uk

Real Madrid had issued a similar statement last month to deny reports linking them with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who has impressed at the World Cup with France.

The current situation represents a significant development for Enzo Fernandez and his representatives, especially given his reported openness to a move to the Spanish capital as his preferred option. This public distancing from Real Madrid follows similar signals from sources at Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, both of whom had also been previously linked with the midfielder.

Fernandez contributed 15 goals in all competitions last season.

The club finished 10th in the Premier League last season and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

The 15-time European champions, Real Madrid, have now categorically denied any interest in the player.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Ama Serwah

Ama covers national news, public affairs and community stories for readers in Ghana.