Real Madrid have stated they have “no intention” of pursuing Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer.
Following Chelsea’s failure to qualify for European competition last season, sources suggest that Fernandez is eager to depart for Real Madrid.
According to reports, the Spanish club is interested in the Argentina midfielder, who joined Chelsea for a British record fee of £107m back in February 2023.
However, Real Madrid issued a statement on Friday asserting that these claims “do not reflect reality.” The club emphasized that they have made no moves, either directly or indirectly, to acquire Fernandez, nor do they plan to initiate such an endeavor.
“In response to recent reports and statements suggesting Real Madrid’s interest in Enzo Fernandez, the club clarifies that it has not attempted to sign the player and has no plans to do so,” the statement read.
Chelsea has confirmed that they have not received any formal approaches from Real Madrid regarding Fernandez.
The London club values the 25-year-old at £120m if serious interest arises but is not actively seeking to sell and would be pleased to keep him as a vital player under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Former manager Liam Rosenior had previously suspended Fernandez for two games in April for suggesting uncertainty about his future at Chelsea and expressing a desire to live in Madrid.
The Blues acquired Fernandez from Benfica shortly after his pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup victory at the end of 2022.
Since then, he has helped Chelsea win the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup, scoring 15 goals across all competitions last season, remaining a crucial player for Argentina in this summer’s World Cup.
Real Madrid recently secured the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £51.8m.
In their statement, the club expressed utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, acknowledging his talent and career, as well as recognizing Chelsea FC as a club with which they maintain a strong institutional relationship.
“Out of respect for Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that guide Real Madrid, the club finds it essential to categorically deny unfounded speculations that do not align with reality.
“Real Madrid regrets the ongoing dissemination of information that, despite the clarity of the facts and the absence of any actions from the club, only serves to create confusion among fans and detrimentally impact the entities and individuals involved.”
The 15-time European champions had released a similar statement last month to refuting claims linking them to Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who has garnered attention during the World Cup representing France.