Chelsea have reportedly set a sky-high price tag for midfielder Enzo Fernandez amid Real Madrid’s growing interest, with new Blues boss Enzo Maresca making it clear he wants the Argentine to stay.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea will demand more than the €121 million (£102m) they paid Benfica for Fernandez in January 2023 — a figure that would surpass the club’s record sale of Eden Hazard to Madrid (£100m in 2019).
Despite Real Madrid’s reluctance to meet that valuation, reports suggest Fernandez is eager for a move, with Spanish media claiming he has instructed his agent to push for a deal and is already house-hunting in Madrid. He is also said to have received neighborhood tips from Argentina teammate Julián Álvarez, who plays for rivals Atlético Madrid.
Madrid, poised for a managerial change as Xabi Alonso prepares to replace Carlo Ancelotti, are believed to be assessing midfield reinforcements despite already boasting one of the deepest engine rooms in world football. TEAMtalk previously reported Madrid’s interest back in March, and the 24-year-old Fernandez remains a key target.
However, Chelsea are holding firm. Fernandez has made a notable impact since arriving at Stamford Bridge, racking up 106 appearances, 14 goals, and 19 assists across competitions. In the current Premier League campaign alone, he has 6 goals and 7 assists in 35 appearances.
Incoming head coach Enzo Maresca has made his stance clear, stating he expects Fernandez to play a central role next season.
“He scores goals but has important numbers with assists. I think next season he can improve his numbers even more,” Maresca said last week.
With Fernandez under contract until 2032, Chelsea have the upper hand in negotiations and are under no pressure to sell unless a record-breaking offer materializes.