How Chelsea have responded to Real Madrid’s interest in Enzo Fernandez

Real Madrid have been plotting a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have no interest in selling Enzo Fernandez and intend to knock back any approaches for the midfielder from Real Madrid this summer.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in a British-record £107million transfer deal in January 2023 and has gone on to make 106 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.

The 24-year-old has been a near ever-present under Enzo Maresca, even stepping in to wear the captain’s armband when Reece James has been unavailable through injury.

However, various reports emanating out of Argentina have indicated that Real Madrid could look to prise the 2022 World Cup winner away from Stamford Bridge in the upcoming transfer window.

Soon-to-be Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is keen for midfield reinforcements and Fernandez has been added to a shortlist of targets atthe Bernabeu, along with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson.

Martin Zubimendi is another name being considered by Madrid, though Arsenal are confident of winning the race for the Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder this summer.

Madrid struggled to land on a winning combination in the middle of the park across a disappointing final season under Carlo Ancelotti, with Toni Kroos’ presence clearly missed and Luka Modric unable to influence games like he once could.

Fernandez has worn the captain’s armband in James’ absence this season (Picture: Getty) Chelsea are confident the midfielder is not thinking about leaving (Picture: Getty)

But according to The Guardian, Madrid will likely have to consider alternatives to Fernandez as Chelsea’s hierarchy are ‘determined’ to not to lose a player they consider a key part of their future.

It’s claimed Chelsea bosses are confident Fernandez remains happy in west London and there is ‘no panic’ about the situation, despite the rumours in South America.

Fernandez still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Chelsea, which he signed upon arrival from Benfica.

Madrid can expect to face a similar challenge in securing a deal for Mac Allister, with Liverpool not prepared to sell unless an astronomical offer is made.

Just last week, Maresca credited Fernandez with adding a new dimension to his game, while challenging the midfielder to ‘improve his numbers’ further still next season.

‘I’ve worked with him both on and off the pitch,’ the Chelsea head coach told reporters ahead of the side’s victory over Manchester United.

‘At the beginning, he was playing in one way all his life, previously with Benfica and Argentina, but for us, it’s more about understanding where he has to stay, but also arrive when we are attacking.

‘I think he scores goals, but he also, in terms of assists, has important numbers.

‘I don’t have any doubts that starting next season from the first game, he can improve his numbers even more.’

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