Enzo Fernandez Chelsea
Stamford Bridge Chelsea
In recent weeks, Atletico Madrid have been strongly linked with an interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez but the South American has no interest in moving to Spain, according to Diario AS reporter Eduardo Burgos.
While on international duty, several Atletico Madrid players tried to convince Enzo to leave Chelsea during the summer window but the midfielder has made it clear that his current priority is to remain at Stamford Bridge.
This is definitely a big blow for Diego Simeone who was planning to restock his midfield by bringing in the 24-year-old but even for Chelsea, this loyalty will have some mixed reaction from the management.
Should Chelsea try and push out Enzo Fernandez?
The Blues had paid €121 million to sign the midfielder from Benfica and in the previous three seasons he’s played 97 games across all competitions. Initially, he was struggling to get game time under Enzo Maresca but right now he’s a regular starter for Chelsea.
He’s started 23 out of the 27 Premier League games that he’s played this season so purely based on his on-field impact Chelsea shouldn’t be looking to sell him. However, Enzo’s current market value is €75 million and if Atletico Madrid are ready to pay around €90-95 million, the Blues should accept it and let him leave.
Maresca has Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in his squad so the manager can afford to get rid of Enzo Fernandez and use the full transfer fee elsewhere. Chelsea need to sign a new left-winger and new centre-forward in the summer and Enzo’s sale will go a long way into helping sign these new arrivals. Romeo Lavia’s recurring hamstring injury is a big reason why Enzo Fernandez has been a regular starter this season and once the 21-year-old is up and running, Maresca could very well push Fernandez down the pecking order.
Most of the media reports are suggesting that while Chelsea aren’t actively looking to offload Enzo Fernandez but they will reconsider their decision if a significant amount is put on the table.
The midfielder’s loyalty towards Chelsea is hugely appreciated but if Atletico Madrid are offering anywhere close to €100 million, the Blues won’t hesitate to push him out of the door.