Chelsea are at risk of having to convince Enzo Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge as La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid still have a genuine interest in striking a summer deal even though his current employers have no desire to sanction his departure, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Blues shattered the British transfer record when they landed the Argentina international in a £106.8million deal from Benfica in February 2023 and, having been one of the first names on the team sheet under boss Enzo Maresca, there is a strong desire to keep him on board heading into next season.
But Real Madrid, who have already raided the Premier League by confirming the £50million acquisition of Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and preparing to lure Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Liverpool, are threatening to attempt to persuade Chelsea to cash in on Fernandez in the coming months.
Fernandez May be Given Chance to Quit Blues
Admirers undeterred by stance over World Cup winner's future
Enzo Fernandez in action for Chelsea
Chelsea are in danger of facing a battle to keep Fernandez in west London, according to GMS sources, as Real Madrid are keen to acquire his services as they prepare for Xabi Alonso to take over as head coach following Carlo Ancelotti's decision to grasp the opportunity to manage Brazil.
Although the Blues have made it clear that they have no intention of selling the World Cup-winning central midfielder when the transfer window reopens, he is still getting admiring glances from the Bernabeu and could prove to be the subject of a formal bid as preparations are made for next term.
GMS sources have been informed that Real Madrid are undeterred by Chelsea's hands-off warning as there is hope that they will be able to convince Fernandez, who has enjoyed a productive campaign at Stamford Bridge, to take his career in another direction when they seek to discover if he is interested in completing a switch.
Enzo Fernandez's statistics for Chelsea this season
The former River Plate fan favourite still has seven years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £180,000-per-week, meaning the Blues are heading into potential discussions in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to listen to offers, but Los Blancos are contemplating whether to test their resolve.
In a major shock, GMS sources have learned that Real Madrid have taken encouragement from Chelsea's aggressive stance over Fernandez's future as they are confident it is an indication that there are already internal fears that his head could be turned by the prospect of embarking on a fresh challenge at the Bernabeu.
Fernandez Not Planning to Push for Departure
Argentina international has remained key part of Maresca's plans
Enzo Fernandez applauding the Chelsea supporters
GMS sources have been told that Fernandez is not planning to push for a move away from Chelsea, but Real Madrid have retained a genuine interest and are eager to gain intelligence on whether he would be open to swapping his current surroundings for a La Liga title challenge next term.
The 24-year-old is an integral part of Maresca's plans, with the Italian tactician describing him as a 'leader' and praising his quality on the pitch, highlighting that it would come as a considerable blow if he does head through the Stamford Bridge exit door as preparations are made for the 2025/26 campaign.
Fernandez's attacking and defensive work in the middle of the park has caught the eye of influential figures at Real Madrid, GMS sources understand, and they are circling even though they have been left in no doubt that it will be difficult to find an agreement after Chelsea have insisted he is not for sale.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the west Londoners have identified Morgan Rogers as a summer target, having seen him flourish at Aston Villa, emphasising that there is determination to upgrade the squad instead of allowing key men to depart when the transfer window reopens for business.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 22/05/2025
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