Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has insisted the club have no plans to sell Enzo Fernandez amid transfer links to Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder has been a key performer for the Blues this season with 20 goal contributions to his name from 44 appearances in all competitions.
Last season, the 24-year-old managed just 11, with the availability of Romeo Lavia proving key to his form in front of goal. With Moises Caicedo at the base of midfield or inverting from right-back, Fernandez is allowed to push forward when the Belgian is playing.
Injuries saw him miss the entirety of last season, and though he has missed a significant chunk of this campaign, he has played an important role in several victories for Chelsea.
Fernandez has also been able to make a significant impact, which certainly explains why interest from Madrid has arrived. News of Los Blancos' plans first came to light courtesy of a report by Cadenaser, which stated Madrid had Fernandez and Bayer Leverkusen ace Exequiel Palacios on their list of potential midfield acquisitions.
However, with Chelsea having spent over £100million to sign him from Benfica, it was no surprise to see what Maresca thought of those exit links.
"Enzo is a main player for us," he said at a press conference on Friday morning. "He is one of the leaders. He's been very, very good. He can be even better next season. Nothing to say about speculation. He is focused on us. Yes [he is staying]."
Fernandez will be needed at his best in Chelsea's next two games with so much on the line. On Sunday afternoon, a place in next season's Champions League can be secured if the Blues beat top-five rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but a defeat would see them miss out.
Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa are also in contention and victories for all three will see them qualify but the latter need Chelsea to drop points.
Following that, Chelsea take on La Liga outfit Real Betis in the Conference League final and they the chance to join Roma, Olympiacos and West Ham United as the teams to win UEFA's new competition.