Real Madrid have issued a firm denial of any interest in signing Enzo Fernandez this summer, while the Chelsea midfielder’s partner has said she is “fine” with whatever decision he makes over his future.
The Spanish giants released a statement on Friday saying they have “no intention” of trying to sign the Argentina international, despite reports linking him with a move to the Bernabéu. “Real Madrid wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation,” the club said. The statement added that the club has “utmost respect” for Fernandez and Chelsea, with whom it maintains an “excellent institutional relationship”, and described the speculation as “unfounded”.
“Real Madrid deny any interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, whose partner says she is happy with his choice.”
The denial comes after well-placed sources said Fernandez, 25, is keen to leave Stamford Bridge after Chelsea failed to qualify for European competition last season. His agent, Javier Pastore, has added to the uncertainty by saying the midfielder is exploring his options, though he stressed Fernandez’s focus remains on the World Cup with Argentina, where he is currently playing.
Chelsea have confirmed they have not received any approach from Real for Fernandez, who cost a British record £107m when he joined from Benfica in January 2023. The Blues have reportedly valued him at £120m but are not actively looking to sell and would be happy to keep him as a key player under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Fernandez’s partner, Valu Cervantes, speaking to El Chiringuito while supporting him in North America, said she is happy with any outcome. “My son was born in England and they go to school there, so I’m very happy. Any team is fine with me. Whichever team it is, I’ll be fine,” she said. When asked if Real Madrid would be different, she replied: “No for me the teams are the same.”
Fernandez, who helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022 and has since won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, scored 15 goals last season. He is under contract at Chelsea until 2032. Previous boss Liam Rosenior handed him a two-game suspension in April after he admitted he did not know if he would stay and said he would “love” to live in Madrid.
Real have already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer in a deal worth up to £51.8m. The club expressed regret that “despite the clarity of the facts … information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans”.
Fernandez will be back in World Cup action on Tuesday evening as Argentina continue their campaign.