Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has clarified the upcoming rumors of midfielder Enzo Fernandez joining Real Madrid. He has insisted that the speculation is unfounded, as the Argentine player has reaffirmed his desire to remain with the team.
Fernandez was signed by the Blues from Benfica in January 2023 for £106.8 million, and has quickly become a key member of Maresca’s team. He has scored seven goals and provided 13 assists so far this season in all competitions, displaying his contribution in midfield.
Rumours have implied that Real Madrid will sign Fernandez as part of the overhaul of their midfield under new boss Xabi Alonso. However, the Blues insist on holding on to the 24-year-old. Fernandez has a contract at the club until 2032, and there are no signs from the Stamford Bridge board that they would consider selling him.
In a press conference, Maresca responded to the speculation:
“Enzo is very important for us. He is one of our captains, he is one of the leaders. This season has been very good and he can be even better next season, starting from the first day. Nothing to say about speculation. He is focused on us. Yes [he is staying].”
Will Maresca Rotate for Conference League Final?
Chelsea are facing an important phase, featuring a titanic clash with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. Maresca has insisted that the focus of the club is on their next game insists that their focus is on the next game, rather than on rumours.
He said:
“Now the focus is on Sunday’s game. The next one is the most important one and then after that we can focus on Wednesday’s game.”
When asked if they might rotate for the upcoming games, he said:
“I said this the other day, we don’t have enough time to recover the energy so, for sure, we need to rotate and change things. We need to make some changes.”