Real Madrid have emphatically denied any interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, issuing a rare public statement to quash speculation that the Argentina star could be heading to the Bernabéu.
The move comes after the player’s agent, Javier Pastore, hinted earlier this week that a switch to the Spanish giants was a possibility, sparking a flurry of transfer rumors.
But Madrid wasted no time in shutting down the narrative, releasing a firm statement on Friday: “The club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player. Furthermore, the club has no intention of pursuing such an operation.”
Sources told ESPN in May that Chelsea value Fernández at a staggering £120 million ($160m), but Madrid made clear that price was irrelevant to their stance.
While clubs rarely comment on transfer speculation, Madrid felt compelled to speak out “out of respect for the player and his current club.” The statement continued: “We wish to express our utmost respect for Fernández, a great footballer … as well as for Chelsea, a club with which we maintain an excellent institutional relationship.”
Fernández, who has a contract until 2032, has been angling for an exit from Stamford Bridge for months. He was even dropped for two matches last season after admitting in a March interview that he “really likes Madrid.”
Pastore, who also lives in Madrid, added fuel to the fire this week: “Who doesn’t like Madrid? Enzo has many friends there.”
Despite the denial, sources told ESPN that Madrid are open to signing another midfielder this summer as new coach José Mourinho reshapes the squad. Fernández was considered an option, but the club’s categorical denial suggests that path is now closed.
For now, Chelsea expect Fernández to report for preseason as normal after his holiday following Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Madrid have already been active in the transfer market, signing Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, and Bernardo Silva, with Denzel Dumfries also set to join. However, a bid for Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez fell short, and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise remains a target.
Adding another midfielder is on hold until one of the current options leaves. Mourinho, who prefers a three-man midfield, currently has Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and new signing Silva. Sources say Camavinga is one player both the manager and club would like to move on, while offers for Tchouaméni could also be considered.
As the summer window heats up, one thing is clear: Enzo Fernández will not be wearing white anytime soon.