Real Madrid aims to enhance their squad during the summer transfer window by acquiring a midfielder and a center-back, according to sources at ESPN. One of the top targets is Enzo Fernández from Chelsea.
Already this week, Madrid has confirmed the signings of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konaté. They are also preparing to finalize a deal for Denzel Dumfries, as they seek to bolster the team for new coach José Mourinho ahead of the upcoming season.
ESPN sources indicate that securing another midfielder is a key priority, with Fernández being a favored candidate discussed at Valdebebas in recent months.
Fernández has been on Madrid’s radar since his days at Benfica, from which he transferred to Chelsea in 2023. However, Madrid has not yet made any formal offers for the Argentine international, as they are exploring other possibilities.
Madrid understands that acquiring Fernández would involve a substantial financial commitment. Chelsea is expected to request a transfer fee around £120 million ($161 million) if Fernández seeks to leave this summer, sources told ESPN.
More budget-friendly alternatives, such as West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Lille‘s Ayyoub Bouaddi, are also under consideration.
Fernández is reportedly open to a move to Madrid, and Mourinho, who played a pivotal role in the signing of Silva from Manchester City, is a strong advocate for making this transfer happen.
Last April, Chelsea penalized Fernández by sidelining him for two matches following comments expressing his desire to play in La Liga. “I’d love to live in Madrid. I really like it; it’s similar to Buenos Aires,” Fernández remarked.
Madrid is seeking to enhance their midfield after struggling to adjust to the departures of veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in recent years.
– Ibrahima Konaté completes transfer to Real Madrid from Liverpool
– Real Madrid confirms Bernardo Silva signing following exit from Manchester City
Madrid has already successfully negotiated the transfer of Cucurella from Chelsea this month, indicating a positive relationship between the two clubs. However, multiple sources suggest that negotiations for Fernández may be more complex.
The club is also aiming to solidify other positions as they look to revamp the squad after enduring two consecutive seasons without trophies. A source revealed that alongside the signing of Konaté, Mourinho is seeking an additional center back, with Rúben Dias being one of the candidates considered. Additionally, reinforcements in the attacking department have not been ruled out.
ESPN’s James Olley contributed to this report.