Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea this summer after the club failed to qualify for Europe, talkSPORT understands.
Although Chelsea prefer to keep the Argentine international, the club are open to a sale. They will demand £120million, which would represent a club-record sale.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates goal for Chelsea
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Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea and his agent has made contact with Real MadridCredit: Getty
The Blues' vice-captain is no closer to agreeing a new deal and will explore his options, having seemingly waved goodbye to fans following his side's loss to Sunderland last Sunday.
It's understood Chelsea want Fernandez's future resolved quickly in order to provide stability for new head coach Xabi Alonso following a season of upheaval, which includes Enzo Maresca's mid-season departure and uncertainty surrounding several players.
World Cup winner Fernandez was suspended by the club for two games following the March international break after flirting with a move to Real Madrid via the media.
talkSPORT understands Fernandez would welcome a bid from Real Madrid, who his agent, Javier Pastore, has been in contact with.
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Yet Real are yet to decide whether to sign a defined no.6, such as Manchester City's Rodri, or a more versatile central midfielder like Chelsea's Argentinian star.
If they proceed with the Blues man, he would have to convince Real he’s willing to revert back to a more defensive role where he thrived at Benfica.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a then British transfer record fee of £106million.
The 25-year-old has gone on to make 169 appearances for the club, scoring 31 times and providing 30 assists.
He helped them win the 2025 Europa Conference League and the inaugural expanded Club World Cup, but it hasn't all been smooth sailing.
In the summer of 2024, Fernandez was forced to apologise to his Chelsea teammates after live-streaming a racist song following Argentina's Copa America triumph.
Huge fee required
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
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Despite Fernandez's wish to leave, Chelsea will ask suitors for £120m for himCredit: Getty
Chelsea and Fernandez have been in contract extension talks, but they are no closer to agreeing on fresh terms.
Unlike Joao Pedro or Cole Palmer, Fernandez is not viewed as entirely unsellable, even though the club's preference is to keep him.
Although without Champions League football, Chelsea are in a weaker position.
Along with Real Madrid, Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in Fernandez.
But sources have told talkSPORT their priority target remains Elliot Anderson and Enzo Maresca’s arrival is not expected to change that.
There is confidence within City that the Nottingham Forest midfielder wants to join.
Fernandez won't come cheaply for the Spanish giants
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Fernandez won't come cheaply for the Spanish giants
PSG are also focused on other midfield targets despite links with Fernandez.
West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is one of the names being looked at for this summer.
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Inside Chelsea verdict
The topic of Fernandez was brought up on talkSPORT's Inside Chelsea, with particular focus on whether it was him saying goodbye.
Host Olivia Buzaglo said: “What did you make of him? I mean, there were a few players that were waving. I don't think it was just him, but there were rumours.”
Former Blues defender Cundy replied: “I don't know. I think sometimes as fans, we look at things thinking, is he going, is he staying? I think we're looking for things, if it's there, it's there. If it's not, it's not.”
Chelsea fan Matisse added: “Nothing's done, which means he doesn't really have any control over whether he is back here next season or not. That deal has to be agreed. Martinez was waving to Villa fans last season.”
Buzaglo then pointed to the fact that Chelsea will not take any loss on the player and Madrid must pay up to get him.
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She said: "Chelsea won't take a loss. So if Real Madrid want to stump up the money, then fair play. We'll take that.
“But if you don't, Enzo Fernandes will be a Chelsea player next season.”