An "unbelievable" Chelsea player is now keen to leave the club this summer, with intermediaries involved in talks over potential moves to Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, according to a report.
Maresca set to reshape squad this summer
Despite confirming the additions of Sporting CP duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo, the Blues continue to be linked with a number of new additions ahead of the summer transfer window, with Enzo Maresca clearly keen on reshaping his squad.
However, given the need to abide by the Premier League's PSR rules, Maresca may have to oversee some departures before spending big on new arrivals, and several players could be axed in the summer.
Joao Felix, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, has now given the green light to join Galatasaray on a permanent basis, with the same report revealing fellow forward Christopher Nkunku could also be in line for an exit.
Barcelona's Raphinha, Jules Kounde and teammates applaud fans after the match Related
Chelsea now set to bid to sign Barcelona star with £837m release clause
The Blues could make a big offer for a defender, who is protected by an astronomical release clause.
Speculation has also been mounting over Noni Madueke's future in west London, with Aston Villa now believed to be in pole position to sign the winger, as the Blues become increasingly tempted to cash-in.
Chelsea could be willing to sanction Madueke's departure, but they may also have to brace for interest in a player they are less keen to see leave, with a report from The Boot Room revealing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are interested in Enzo Fernandez.
enzo-fernandez-chelsea-premier-league
Fernandez would be keen on a move to Spain, with intermediaries currently talking to the two Spanish clubs about a potential deal, but Maresca's side won't make it easy, with the maestro's deal not set to expire any time soon.
The Blues have no plans to green light the Argentina international's departure, and given that he is contracted until the summer of 2032, they remain in a strong negotiating position.
"Unbelievable" Fernandez has kicked on this season
The west Londoners spent big to get a deal for the £180k-per-week midfielder over the line, shelling out £106.8m, and he has started to justify his hefty price tag this season, having emerged as one of the side's most consistent performers in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old has also impressed on a number of key metrics for midfielders over the past year, most notably regularly providing goals and assists.
Statistic Average per 90
Non-penalty goals 0.15 (81st percentile)
Assists 0.23 (93rd percentile)
Progressive passes 6.90 (86th percentile)
Shot-creating actions 4.49 (96th percentile)
As such, it is little wonder some of Europe's top clubs are queuing up for the "unbelievable" midfielder's signature, but Chelsea should rebuff any approaches this summer, given his importance to the side.
With Fernandez contracted until 2032, there is little reason to sanction his departure unless he is unsettled, and Maresca will be hoping he is able to build on a much-improved 2024-25 campaign next season.