Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez may try to force a move away from Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
ESPN claim that the Argentinian international could “formally request to leave the club” if the Blues don’t soften their transfer stance.
At the moment, it is believed that Fernandez’s departure will only be sanctioned if a team matches his £120m asking price.
If that doesn’t happen, Chelsea fully expect the player to report for pre-season when he returns from the World Cup.
Things could get ugly between Fernandez and the club
It doesn’t appear as if the midfielder will accept staying in London beyond the summer transfer window.
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There are several reasons that Fernandez is thought to be unhappy. His two-match ban after comments he made during the last international break did not go down well.
The 25-year-old was also upset about the departure of Enzo Maresca, while an impasse in talks over a new contract has contributed to his disenchantment. The Blues’ failure to qualify for the Champions League may have been the final straw.
Will any team match Chelsea’s valuation?
Real Madrid are thought to be the team that Fernandez would most like to join, but ESPN report that his current price tag is an “obstacle.”
There have been suggestions that players could be involved in a part-exchange offer. Manager Xabi Alonso would reportedly be keen on being reunited with two players – Dean Huijsen and Aurelien Tchouameni – but there is no guarantee that the pair would be interested in moving to Stamford Bridge, even if the La Liga giants were willing to part with them.
Manchester City are also said to be keeping tabs on Fernandez, but offloading one of your best players to a division rival would not go down well with fans.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here