If there wasn’t already enough tension regarding the future of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, then another player is said to be causing friction – and it won’t come as a surprise that Enzo Fernandez is the culprit.
It cannot be a good atmosphere behind the scenes at Chelsea, right now. Four straight defeats, a gaffer under pressure and half the squad on international duty. Then, there are comments made in the media.
Enzo Fernandez opened the door to an exit after the PSG defeat and then, this week, Marc Cucurella said he would be tempted to leave Chelsea if Barcelona came calling. Others are being linked with moves, too.
Chelsea to offer Enzo Fernandez over £400k-per-week, eclipsing Reece James’ new deal 👀
Is this a step too far?
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Cole Palmer is a target for Real Madrid, Bayern and Man United, while Barcelona have also made contact with Joao Pedro’s representatives. It is not harmonious and Fabrizio Romano has an update on Fernandez.
Since his comments, plenty of reports have suggested Fernandez would like to join Real Madrid. Bought for £107m, it is expected Chelsea would want a fee as close to that figure as possible, if they were to sell.
But Chelsea also remain in talks to extend Fernandez’s contract. However, according to Romano, there is a tension at Chelsea and Fernandez is the cause, after saying he would like to live in Madrid, as per Avirales.
“You remember, a few days ago after a Champions League game against PSG, Fernandez said ‘we will see’ when asked about his future. He didn’t close the door. Then he was asked again, this time in Argentina.
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“In a very easy context, not necessarily about football, but was asked where would you like to live one day in your life. He said Madrid. He said it because the City feels like Buenos Aires,” Romano continued.
“The connection between Fernandez and Madrid is something we have to mention. He said himself he would love to live in Madrid. From the football point of view, we have to understand what Chelsea want.
“Second, what is going to happen in the contract negotiation between Enzo and Chelsea. At the moment, there is no agreement and this is why there is a tension around the future of Enzo Fernandez,” he added.
“Nothing has been decided, nothing has been started in terms of negotiations or talks but we have to take into consideration that Enzo Fernandez mentioning Madrid, another interview on his future.”
What should Chelsea do with Enzo Fernandez this summer?
Fernandez is a key player for Chelsea and Liam Rosenior is a big fan. There is no doubting that the Argentine is one of Chelsea’s best players, but his form has hardly been excellent in the last few weeks.
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The question Chelsea must ask, is whether he is worth keeping when the offers are tabled. Craig Burley would get rid of Fernandez, branding him a “cry baby”. It could all depend on how much is offered.
While Chelsea might want a nine-figure fee, Andy Townsend doesn’t think offers for Fernandez would exceed £80m. If that is the case, Chelsea must ask – would they rather £80m, or a player causing tension?
From a financial point of a view, it is a loss. From a footballing point of view, Fernandez is a player that improves any team. But from a squad angle, it might be worth cashing in and removing the bad smell.
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