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Chelsea consider offering 24-year-old mainstay in swap deal to sign Real Madrid utility man

Chelsea may pursue a swap deal involving Enzo Fernandez and Real Madrid utility man Federico Valverde next year.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Federico Valverde and Enzo Fernandez may swap bases next year. The former is the subject of interest of Chelsea, while the latter is a target for Real Madrid. The Blues are mulling over offering the Real Madrid-linked mainstay in a swap deal involving the versatile Valverde next year.

Federico Valverde has established himself as one of the best players in the world since joining Real Madrid from CA Penarol in July 2016. The 27-year-old had to bide his time before establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the South American midfielder has not looked back since becoming a regular for Los Blancos.

The Uruguayan international is now a mainstay in the middle of the park for his club and country. Valverde has made nearly 350 appearances thus far for Real Madrid, chipping in with 32 goals and 34 assists. On the other hand, Enzo Fernandez has seen his stock soar since joining Chelsea from SL Benfica in January 2023.

While the Argentine international has endured a topsy-turvy ride in the last two and a half years, he has become the vice-captain for the West London club. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Chelsea mainstay’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, including Real Madrid.

Chelsea may have an ace up their sleeves, as they are mulling over offering Enzo Fernandez in the swap deal involving Federico Valverde. The Real Madrid utility man has been on Chelsea’s radar for a long time, and it is hardly surprising that the Blues are still keen on securing his services.

Valverde’s versatility makes him an appealing target for Chelsea, as he can reprise a reserved role or play in an advanced position. So, if Enzo Fernandez departs from Stamford Bridge, the Uruguayan international can be a like-for-like replacement for his fellow South American midfielder.

However, it is unclear if Real Madrid will be open to signing Enzo Fernandez in a swap deal involving Federico Valverde. While the Merengues will land their top midfield target, they will lose a pivotal figure in the operation. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the duo.

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