Real Madrid has stated it has no intention of attempting to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer. The Spanish club issued a statement on Friday, asserting that recent reports and statements regarding an alleged interest in the player “do not correspond to reality.”

Despite these denials, well-placed sources indicate that Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid, particularly after Chelsea failed to secure European qualification last season. Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, has also publicly discussed his client’s future, suggesting that the midfielder is open to exploring a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, however, has confirmed that they have not received any direct club-to-club approach from Real Madrid for Fernandez. The Blues value the midfielder at £120m should serious interest materialise, but they are not actively looking to sell and would prefer to retain him as a key player under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Fernandez’s desire to leave and Chelsea’s stance

Enzo Fernandez, who cost Chelsea a then-British record fee of £107m in February 2023, has reportedly expressed a desire to move to the Spanish capital. His preference for a move to Madrid has been evident from comments made by his camp and the Argentina international himself.

In April, Fernandez received a two-game suspension from former coach Liam Rosenior after publicly stating that he did not know if he would remain at Chelsea next season and that he would “love” to live in Madrid. These comments, along with others made in Spanish-language interviews following Chelsea’s dip in form and Champions League exit, have created an uncomfortable situation for the club.

Despite the challenges, Chelsea does not view the situation as irreparable. The club believes that Xabi Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help mend his relationship with supporters through strong performances on the pitch. Fernandez contributed 15 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season and served as vice-captain, highlighting his importance to the team.

Other clubs reportedly interested

While Real Madrid has publicly distanced itself from Fernandez, other prominent clubs are reportedly showing interest. According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester City have now entered the race to sign the Argentina international. Longari noted that Real Madrid would need to make a “sacrifice” to present an offer to Chelsea.

Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that there have been “zero contacts” between Chelsea and Real Madrid regarding a deal for Fernandez. Romano stated that Real Madrid considers Fernandez to be one of five midfield options and that any potential move depends on player departures from the Spanish club.

Real Madrid’s public denial follows similar private signals from sources at Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, both of whom have previously been linked with the midfielder. Real Madrid has already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer in a deal worth up to £51.8m.

The Spanish giants’ statement also expressed respect for Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea, emphasising their excellent institutional relationship. They regret that information not corresponding to reality continues to be disseminated, causing confusion among fans and potentially harming the involved entities and individuals. Real Madrid issued a similar statement last month to deny reports linking them with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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