Arsenal have been handed a boost in signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer following Real Madrid’s formal statement.
The Argentine is determined to leave the Blues during the transfer window, and he has been constantly linked with a transfer to the Bernabeu.
His agent Javier Pastore has also talked up a move to Madrid, but Los Blancos have today categorically ruled out an approach for Fernandez.
Jose Mourinho’s side have made it clear that they are not pursuing a deal for Fernandez and have no intention of doing so in the future.
With Madrid no longer in the race, Arsenal have been handed a boost in signing the 25-year-old.
Journalist Gianluigi Longari recently revealed that the Gunners have been ‘gathering information‘ on Fernandez alongside Manchester City.
Madrid were deemed his preferred destination, but their refusal to pursue a deal leaves the door open for Arsenal to look into a possible transfer.
Fernandez would be a quality midfield signing
Fernandez has been a key player for the Blues, and he has stepped up his performances over the past couple of seasons at the west London outfit.
The 25-year-old managed 26 goal contributions during the 2024/25 season, and registered another 22 last term despite the Blues’ league struggles.
Fernandez started his career as a holding midfielder but has played higher up in his prime. He was primarily a left-sided number eight last season, but also featured as an attacking midfielder.
Aside from his goal involvements, Fernandez has likewise impressed with his passing range, tireless work rate and the ability to make regular recoveries.
Looking at DataMB stats for the 2025/26 campaign, Fernandez would be an upgrade on Martin Zubimendi in terms of progressive and key passes.
He would be a perfect partner for Declan Rice, but the question remains whether Arsenal will formalise their reported interest with an official approach.
Arsenal’s current priority is on Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. They have failed with a £45m offer, but believe he could be signed for £65m.
However, a deal looks extremely difficult now that Sandro Tonali has left the Magpies for Tottenham Hotspur. The Tyneside outfit could easily demand £80-90m.
With Guimaraes almost 29, Arsenal could be reluctant to pay such a hefty fee, and they could instead turn their attention to pursuing Fernandez in the near future.
Chelsea reportedly want £120m for Fernandez, but the price tag could be lowered to the £100-110m range with the player actively seeking to leave the Blues.
Arsenal could be willing to pay a premium fee for Fernandez. The Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke from Chelsea in recent years.
Hence, the Blues may not resist Fernandez’s transfer to north London if a suitable deal is agreed.
Stats from Transfermarkt & DataMB