Real Madrid have issued a categorical denial of any intention to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer, even as well-placed sources say the Argentina World Cup winner is keen to leave Stamford Bridge. The Spanish giants’ statement declared that reports of interest “do not correspond to reality” and that the club has “not made any effort, either direct or indirect” to secure the 25-year-old, who cost Chelsea a British-record £107m in February 2023.
But while Madrid close the door on Fernandez — a player Chelsea value at £120m and are not actively looking to sell — they may be opening it for another midfield target. According to Athletic editor Dean Jones, Real’s previous stance of keeping France international Aurelien Tchouameni at the Bernabeu has softened, with Jones reporting that the Spanish side are “opening up” to the possibility of parting with the 26-year-old, valued at £85m. The development comes as a boost for Manchester United, who are desperately short in midfield after the departure of Casemiro and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.
“Real Madrid deny interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez but may sell Tchouameni to Manchester United.”
United’s need was already acute after key target Mateus Fernandes opted for a £85m move to Tottenham. Now, with Real having enjoyed a busy summer under Jose Mourinho — signing Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries — the door appears ajar for Tchouameni. Jones adds that should Madrid inform the Frenchman his services are no longer required, he would be willing to move to Old Trafford.
United’s transfer foray may also yield a full-back. German outlet BILD reports that the Premier League side have held “renewed contact” with representatives of Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson, who is currently starring for Norway at the World Cup. Norway are set to face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday, and Ryerson’s performances in North America have not gone unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed they have not received any club-to-club approach from Real for Fernandez, and the Blues are happy to retain him under new coach Xabi Alonso. Fernandez, who helped Argentina win the World Cup and has won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, scored 15 goals in all competitions last season. Real’s statement expressed “utmost respect” for both the player and the London club, but for United, the focus is firmly on whether Madrid’s U-turn on Tchouameni can finally bring the midfield reinforcements Michael Carrick so desperately needs.