The saga surrounding Enzo Fernandez continues to take a turn every day after the Chelsea star’s comments during the international break, amid interest from Real Madrid.
Following his comments after the PSG defeat and reports claiming Fernandez’s dream club is Real Madrid, the Argentine then went on international duty and flirted outrageously with Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
He said he’d like to live in Madrid, before heaping praise on Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The two-game punishment may be harsh to some, but Liam Rosenior had to take a stand. Micah Richards felt this way.
DEBATE: Enzo Fernandez shouldn’t be suspended for the Manchester City game
He's one of our best players!
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
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Fernandez was absent for the clash against Port Vale and will remain sidelined for Man City, despite some reports suggesting some of the Chelsea squad had asked for Fernandez to be reinstated come Sunday.
Is Enzo Fernandez staying as part of the leadership group?
Now, another twist in the saga. The Guardian claim that Chelsea do not feel they need to strip Fernandez of the vice captaincy, because he was never officially made vice captain. He is just one of the senior stars.
Argentina v Mauritania - International Friendly
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Indeed, Fernandez is seen as a leader in the squad. But the Argentine has never officially earned the role of vice captain. The former Benfica star is part of the leadership squad, but will he remain after all of this?
The Guardian reports that Fernandez will remain part of the leadership group at Chelsea despite his actions. Even if, come the summer, Fernandez will end up leaving Chelsea as Real Madrid keep tabs.
Who else has been linked with a move for Enzo Fernandez?
A then-record signing of £107m, Fernandez has obviously been one of Chelsea’s best players during the Todd Boehly era. Chelsea will feel that Fernandez has grown during his time at Chelsea since joining.
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Cole Palmer quotes on being captain.
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Certainly, Chelsea won’t sell Fernandez for less than £100m. They feel the midfielder has retained his value and given he has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2023, Boehly and Clearlake are under no pressure.
However, if a nine-figure sum was promised, it would give Chelsea instant revenue to reinvest. Madrid are not the only club interested, either. PSG are among the clubs both interested and able to sign Fernandez.
Not just PSG or Real Madrid, either. Atletico Madrid are keen, with Diego Simeone looking to bring in his fellow countryman. Atleti have spent north of £100m before, on former Chelsea star Joao Felix from.
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