Enzo Fernandez looks frustrated during Chelsea's Premier League game against Man Utd
Real Madrid have identified Enzo Fernandez as a possible transfer target this summer (Picture: Getty)
Enzo Maresca has sent a defiant message to Real Madrid amid speculation they are considering making a summer move for Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina international endured a difficult start to his Blues career following his £106million transfer from Benfica two years ago.
Amid a backdrop of upheaval and uncertainty, Fernandez struggled to justify his hefty transfer fee but is beginning to thrive in Maresca’s system.
Alongside fellow £100m man, Moises Caicedo, Fernandez has produced a string of superb performances in recent months and has been central to Chelsea’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification.
Despite apparently looking settled at Stamford Bridge, the spectre of Real is looming large as the Spanish giants prepare to undergo major surgery this summer.
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Responding to Real’s reported interest in the World Cup winner, Maresca sent out an emphatic warning on Friday ahead of this weekend’s crucial match against Nottingham Forest.
He said: ‘Enzo is very important for us. He is one of our captains, he is one of the leaders.
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez appeals for hand ball during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Friday May 16, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Chelsea. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Chelsea are desperate to keep Enzo Fernandez(Credits: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
‘This season has been very good and he can be even better next season, starting from the first day.
‘[I’ve] nothing to say about speculation, his focus is on us and that is the most important thing.’
Asked whether the 24-year-old is staying next season, Maresca simply said ‘yes’.
Why Real Madrid want Enzo Fernandez
By their own immeasurably high standards, Real have endured a difficult season.
The Spanish league title has been surrendered to rivals Barcelona, while their defence of the Champions League ended at the quarter final stage following a humbling defeat against Arsenal.
A failure to replace club legend Toni Kroos has been cited as a key reason for Real’s struggles this term under the outgoing Carlo Ancelotti.
With Luka Modric also bringing down the curtain on his trophy-laden Real career, midfield reinforcements are a priority for new manager Xabi Alonso.
The former Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real star wants a player who can orchestrate games and Fernandez fits the bill perfectly.
Whether they can wrestle him away from Chelsea remains to be seen, and the fact they are still pushing for Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi suggests they know they might be fighting a losing battle.
Chelsea’s chances of keeping one of their key players could hinge on the outcome of this weekend’s game at the City ground where a win would cement a top five finish.
The Blues’ form on the road has been their Achilles’ heel this term and they will need a positive result against this season’s surprise packages if they are to end their domestic campaign on a high.
Can Chelsea keep Ezno Fernandez?
‘It is something for sure, during the short break, we have to analyse,’ said Maresca when asked about his team’s worrying away form.
‘I also said many times I like to analyse game by game. Sometimes we played away and we didn’t deserve to lose or even draw.
‘But for sure if we struggle away, there is a reason why, and we are going to use the break to understand the reason why.
‘On the other side, at home, we won almost all the games. So, there is also a good part as well.’
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