Club say transfer rumour “does not correspond to reality”; Chelsea midfielder has been extensively linked to the Spanish capital
Real Madrid have denied reports linking them with a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, insisting they have no intention of signing the Argentina international this summer.
The Spanish club issued a statement on Friday rejecting speculation that they had opened talks over a transfer, despite recent reports suggesting Fernandez was among new head coach Jose Mourinho’s preferred targets.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship,” the club said.
“Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.
“Real Madrid has not taken any steps, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such a transfer.
“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the absence of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only serves to create confusion among fans and unnecessarily harm the organisations and individuals involved.”
The statement is the second issued by Madrid this summer to dismiss transfer speculation. Last month, the club also denied reports that it had contacted Bayern Munich over a move for Michael Olise.
Chelsea are understood to value Fernandez at about £120m if they decide to sell, although the midfielder remains under contract until 2032. Reports have suggested the 25-year-old is open to a fresh start and views Madrid as his preferred destination.
Fernandez fuelled speculation earlier this year when he spoke during Argentina’s March international break about his admiration for Madrid and the attraction of living in the Spanish capital. Those comments led to him being left out of Chelsea’s team for two matches in April.
The midfielder made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists. He also captained Chelsea on 23 occasions in the absence of Reece James.
Madrid have already strengthened Mourinho’s squad by signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, while Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva have arrived as free agents following the expiry of their contracts with Liverpool and Manchester City.
