Enzo Fernández has informed Chelsea he wants to leave after the club failed to qualify for European competition, but Stamford Bridge will demand around £120m for the Argentina midfielder.
The 25-year-old, a World Cup winner, arrived from Benfica in 2023 for £107m and is tied to a contract that runs until 2032, a length that contributes to Chelsea’s high valuation.
While Fernández remains named in the club’s plans for next season, Chelsea have made clear they would consider offers that meet their valuation rather than sell at a discount.
Last season he scored 15 goals and provided seven assists, finishing second in Chelsea’s player of the season voting, underlining his importance on the pitch.
His agent, Javier Pastore, is exploring possible destinations. Fernández’s preferred move is reportedly to Real Madrid. Manchester City have also been linked — and are expected to appoint former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor — but City’s priority appears to be Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Paris Saint-Germain have likewise been mentioned in transfer speculation, but the French club have downplayed the chances of a deal.
Real Madrid are reluctant to meet Chelsea’s asking price unless they can raise significant funds through player sales; they have also been linked with Manchester City’s Rodri.
Senior figures at Chelsea accept the squad needs investment ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first full season as manager. After a disappointing campaign that ended with the club 10th in the Premier League and without silverware, the board want to recruit proven, Premier League-ready players while weighing any serious offers for Fernández.
