Real Madrid directly addresses Enzo Fernandez transfer rumors amidst links to Chelsea star
· Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid have declared they are NOT in discussions over a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting Real were in contact with Fernandez's representatives regarding a high-profile transfer for the 25-year-old Argentina international.
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Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, then fueled speculation when he disclosed that the player is weighing up his options to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
Speaking to Marca, Pastore said: "Today the player is calmly thinking about the national team, he is playing in a World Cup, he is very close to reaching the Round of 16. He is only thinking about that and we are looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea, but there is nothing firm or confirmed at any club."
-Credit:Charlotte Wilson, Getty ImagesFernandez, who is under contract at Chelsea until 2032, had been linked with a switch to Real prior to joining the Blues in a £107 million (around $130 million) deal from Benfica in January 2023. It is understood that Los Blancos have kept tabs on Fernandez's development during his spell in west London, but they have no desire to acquire him in this transfer window, as per The Mirror.
Addressing the matter in an official statement on their website, Real said: "In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid CF in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation.
"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.
"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.
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"Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the lack of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans and unnecessarily harming the entities and people involved."
Despite the speculation surrounding Fernandez's future, Chelsea still anticipates his arrival for preseason training as scheduled after a break following Argentina's involvement at the World Cup.
Argentina are looking to advance deep in the tournament and meet Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Friday. Lionel Scaloni's team are the bookmakers' second favorites to claim the World Cup behind France.