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Chelsea demand record Enzo Fernandez transfer fee amid Real Madrid interest

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Real Madrid and Manchester City among those reportedly interested in the £120m-rated star

17:54, 27 May 2026Updated 17:54, 27 May 2026

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

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Enzo Fernandez appears to be keen for a move(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Enzo Fernandez is keen to exit Chelsea in the forthcoming summer transfer window, with Real Madrid showing interest in the midfielder.

While the Blues are eager to retain Fernandez, they won't obstruct his departure if a bid of £120million comes in. The west London outfit shelled out £106.7m to Benfica for him in 2023 - setting a British transfer record at the time - and are looking to turn a tidy profit if a sale goes through this summer.

Manchester City have also expressed interest in Fernandez, but there's been no progress despite Enzo Maresca being set to succeed Pep Guardiola this summer.

Enzo Fernandez celebrates

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Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a move away from Chelsea(Image: Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto)

Fernandez hinted at a move to Real Madrid during the March international break, expressing his desire to live in the Spanish capital someday. These remarks didn't sit well with Chelsea, especially given Los Blancos' interest in the midfielder. As a result, Liam Rosenior decided to suspend the Argentina international for two matches.

His agent, Javier Pastore, labelled the ban as "completely unfair" in an early April interview and warned Chelsea that his client would consider moving elsewhere if they failed to agree on a new contract.

Negotiations between the 25-year-old's representatives and the Blues began "over December/January", but they've yet to reach an agreement on new terms.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MARCH 27: Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Mauritania at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on March 27, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

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The midfielder will represent Argentina at the World Cup(Image: Marcelo Endelli, Getty Images)

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Fernandez is of the opinion that his current earnings do not reflect his importance to the team. It's hard to dispute this: Fernandez ended the 2025/26 season with an impressive tally of 15 goals and seven assists across all competitions, all from a midfield position.

The ex-Benfica midfielder was reportedly deeply upset when Enzo Maresca left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day, and insiders suggest this was the catalyst for what eventually became a transfer saga.

This saga reached its climax in March with comments from Pastore, and Chelsea were incensed when the agent, himself a former Argentina international, made his views public.

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Sunday's loss to Sunderland, during which Fernandez was seen waving at the away fans, could very well be his last-ever appearance for Chelsea.

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