Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Real Madrid have publicly denied reports suggesting they are preparing a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, insisting the Spanish giants have no interest in signing the Argentine international.

Speculation surrounding Fernandez's future intensified earlier this week after his representative, Javier Pastore, fuelled rumours by remarking, "Who doesn't like Madrid?" His comments sparked fresh claims that the Chelsea star could be on his way to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Fernandez, who is currently representing Argentina at the FIFA Club World Cup, has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with several reports claiming Real Madrid were monitoring his situation.

However, the La Liga club has now moved to end the speculation by issuing an official statement firmly rejecting suggestions that any discussions have taken place over a potential transfer.

Real Madrid said:

“Given the information and demonstrations that have appeared in recent days about an alleged interest of Real Madrid C. F. by the player Enzo Fernández, the club wishes to state that it has not carried out any, direct or indirect, management aimed at the hiring of the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation.

“Real Madrid want to express their utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, a great footballer whose career and quality are well known, as well as Chelsea FC, a club with which he maintains an excellent institutional relationship.

“Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always presided over the performance of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and that do not respond to reality.

“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the absence of any action by the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contribute to generate confusion among the fans and to unnecessarily harm the entities and people involved.”

The statement effectively rules out any prospect of Madrid pursuing the 24-year-old during the current transfer window.

Fernandez has established himself as one of Chelsea's key players since completing his £107 million switch from Benfica in February 2023. Across 117 Premier League appearances, the midfielder has contributed 19 goals and 17 assists, underlining his importance to the Blues.

Madrid's clarification is likely to reassure Chelsea supporters, with the Premier League club expected to retain one of its most influential midfielders ahead of the new campaign

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