By all accounts, Enzo Fernandez would welcome a move away from Chelsea to Real Madrid this summer, but his price tag is proving a stumbling block.
Fernandez sparked worry amongst Chelsea fans when he failed to clarify his desire to remain at the club following the exit from the Champions League.
Moises Caicedo has in turn committed to the club, while Fernandez’s partner has hinted at their desire to live in Madrid in the future.
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Real Madrid cannot afford to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea
However, Chelsea have put themselves in a strong position due to the long-term contract they have handed him, keeping his market value high.
Journalist Jorge Picon has claimed that despite Fernandez’s desire to play for Madrid, the transfer is ‘unfeasible’ for the La Liga giants due to the price Chelsea would demand.
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He said: “Enzo Fernández’s “I’d live in Madrid” comment isn’t a coincidence. If it were up to him, he’d have been at Real Madrid yesterday. He’s always mentioned it privately, and now he’s not even hiding it in public. A campaign to try to shake the tree and see if the fruit finally falls.
“But beyond wishes, his signing is currently unfeasible and not even on the table at Valdebebas. The player’s price (the club believes it wouldn’t drop below 100M€) isn’t accessible given Real Madrid’s current economic situation.
“Sources close to the player know this. They acknowledge he’d love it, but they understand it’s very difficult. Not just because of Real Madrid: his club, with whom he’s contracted until 2032, would have to let him go.”
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Chelsea keeping tabs on potential Fernandez replacement
Despite a clear desire to keep hold of their current midfielder, it would be foolish for the club to not be keeping an eye on players who could be seen as his replacement.
The Blues have identified Adam Wharton as their number one target for a midfielder to join the club, although his profile does offer a different set of skills to the Argentine.
There is also plenty of admiration for Valentin Barco at Strasbourg, a fellow BlueCo club.
The youngster recently made an impression on the international stage, scoring for Argentina and outperforming Fernandez in the process.
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