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The representative of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has continued to send conflicting signals regarding the possibility of a summer move, amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
Fernández was recently handed a two-game ban by Chelsea after appearing to openly court long-time suitors Madrid. During the March international break, the World Cup champion told a reporter that he would love to live in the Spanish capital, while also citing Madrid icons Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as personal inspirations.
Following his internal disciplinary action, the Argentina international's agent, Javier Pastore, suggested that his client would weigh up his options at the conclusion of the season.
Pastore, however, quickly walked back those comments, while Fernández issued a public apology to his Chelsea teammates.
In quotes reported by Top Mercato, Pastore stated: "These are statements he made with no intention of stirring up trouble at Chelsea.
"We're aligned with Chelsea. We resolved things yesterday and the day before between Chelsea and the player. There were never truly any issues. We sorted everything out.
"He's only 25. He's still young, he still has things to learn. We explained to the club that he said it without any ill intent, that he made an error. He naturally apologized to the club, his teammates, the manager, the sporting director, everyone.
"We're all in agreement. We simply needed to clear up the misunderstanding."
Pastore: 'Fernández Wants to Play in the Best Competitions'
Nevertheless, despite attempting to put the speculation over Fernández's future to rest, Pastore also appeared to leave the door open for uncertainty beyond the near term.
In quotes from the same promotional event for FedEx at the Parc des Princes, Pastore—a former Paris Saint-Germain player—hinted that should Chelsea fail to secure Champions League football, Fernández might reconsider his situation.
He told Onze Mondial: "It's natural that there are rumors given my connection to PSG.
"He'll feature in the World Cup this summer and see out the season with Chelsea. For now, we're waiting to see whether Chelsea qualify for the Champions League, because he wants to compete at the highest level and he's a winner, and then we'll take stock. Honestly, we're not focused on that right now."
Chelsea's European Hopes Hanging in the Balance
With Chelsea already eliminated from this season's Champions League, their prospects of qualifying for next season's tournament depend on finishing inside the top five in the Premier League.
After 31 matches, the Blues sit sixth, just one point behind Liverpool in fifth, having lost three of their last four league outings.
With Aston Villa six points clear in fourth with seven games remaining, it appears set to become a straight battle between the struggling heavyweights Chelsea and Liverpool for the final Champions League berth.
Missing out for either club would be a significant setback, and the outcome of that race could well influence Fernández's thinking on his future. Real Madrid will no doubt be monitoring developments closely.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea for $142 million (£106 million) in January 2023 and is contracted to the club until 2032.