By Adegboyega Adeleye
Real Madrid have publicly denied reports linking the club with a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, insisting they have “no intention” of signing the Argentina international this summer.
According to the BBC, the Spanish giants issued an official statement on Friday after speculation intensified following comments from Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, who revealed he is exploring options for the midfielder’s future and suggested a move to Madrid could appeal to the World Cup winner.
Although Pastore stopped short of confirming Real Madrid’s interest, he fuelled speculation by saying, “Who doesn’t like Madrid? Enzo has many friends there. I also live in Madrid.”
Real Madrid responded by categorically rejecting the reports.
“In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest in Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either directly or indirectly, to sign the player and has no intention of undertaking such an operation,” the club said.
Madrid added that the statement was issued out of respect for both Chelsea and the player, stressing that the transfer speculation was “unfounded” and did not reflect reality.
Chelsea have also confirmed they have received no formal approach from the Spanish club.
The Premier League side are understood to value Fernandez at around £120 million if serious interest emerges but are not actively seeking to sell the 25-year-old, who remains a key figure in new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.
Fernandez, currently with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for several months. The midfielder previously admitted he would “love” to live in Madrid, comments that reportedly resulted in disciplinary action under Chelsea’s former manager.
Despite ongoing speculation, ESPN also reports Chelsea expect Fernandez to return for pre-season after Argentina’s World Cup campaign concludes, while Real Madrid maintain they are not pursuing any deal for the former Benfica midfielder.
