ไทย
English
中國人
Real Madrid have emphatically denied any discussions with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández regarding a summer move, going so far as to publicly declare they have "no intention" of signing the Argentina international.
Fernández is reportedly eager to join Madrid, having openly expressed his desire to make the switch, while his agent added further momentum by confirming they are exploring an exit from Chelsea this summer.
Rather than staying silent, Madrid took the unexpected step of dismissing the reports as mere speculation, further clarifying that there are no plans to pursue Fernández's signature during the current transfer window.
"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 Fernández, 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," the club said in a statement.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, 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.
"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."
Where Does Enzo Fernández Go From Here?
Madrid's statement leaves Fernández in a difficult spot. While he hasn't said anything to permanently sour his relationship with Chelsea, his clear flirtation with a move and his failure to address his agent's public remarks have stirred up considerable tension.
A transfer to Madrid appeared to be the most logical resolution, but circumstances have now shifted. With Los Blancos ruling out a move for Fernández, an alternative solution must be found — though what that might look like remains unclear.
Should Fernández remain determined to leave Chelsea, his options are scarce. A reunion with Enzo Maresca at Manchester City is among the few realistic possibilities, but their record-breaking signing of Elliot Anderson suggests a move for Fernández — which would cost even more — is highly improbable.
Fernández's transfer fee is reportedly set at $160 million (£120 million), meaning only a handful of clubs could realistically afford a player who still has six years remaining on his Chelsea contract.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have spent recent weeks publicly stating they would be perfectly content to retain Fernández. Whether those in charge feel the same way privately is another question entirely.
Fernández, who served as Chelsea's vice-captain under Maresca, would also need to repair his standing with the supporters, many of whom have grown frustrated with the Argentine following his recent behaviour.
What the Future Holds for Real Madrid
Real Madrid are indeed in the market for a new ball-playing midfielder. While several high-profile targets have already been ruled out this summer, Fernández is far from the only name on their radar.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of this statement is how it contrasts with Madrid's recent response regarding Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, where Los Blancos similarly denied that any talks had taken place.
While Madrid were firm in distancing themselves from Fernández, that same energy was notably absent in their comments about Olise, who is still widely believed to be a top priority for club president Florentino Pérez.
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
Madrid have pledged not to go behind Bayern Munich's back in their pursuit of Olise. Should they move forward with a bid, the La Liga giants have committed to approaching their German counterparts first — a step expected to be the most challenging aspect of any potential deal.
Bayern have publicly maintained that Olise is not available for transfer, and any fee would likely approach or even surpass the all-time record — Neymar's €222 million ($253.6 million at current rates) move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.