Enzo Fernandez speaks out on Chelsea future after Real Madrid deny transfer interest

Enzo Fernandez has addressed his Chelsea future for the first time since Real Madrid denied any interest in signing the Argentine midfielder.

Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea this summer, with his agent Javier Pastore saying last week that his client is ‘exploring opportunities’ to leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea would reportedly demand a fee of £120m to let the midfielder leave, having signed him from Benfica in January 2023 for a then-British record fee of £106million.

Real had long been seen as Fernandez’s dream move, with reports suggesting that Jose Mourinho was keen to sign the 25-year-old following his return to the Spanish capital.

However, in a staggering statement last week, the Spanish giants insisted they have not and do not intend to make any move for the Chelsea star.

‘Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship,’ the statement added.

‘Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.’

Fernandez currently remains at the World Cup with Argentina, and scored the winner as the defending champions came from behind to beat Egypt and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Speaking after his side’s dramatic win, Fernandez told DAZN: ‘I have an incredible mix of feelings. I’m so grateful and privileged to be living these moments.

‘I knew Lautaro was going to take the lead, and I got into the box. He crossed it, and I went in hard.

‘I’m so happy to win, to help my teammates, my team, and to advance to the next round.’

Fernandez was also asked about his Chelsea future following the World Cup, but said it was not at the forefront of his mind right now.

‘I’m not thinking about my future right now,’ he added.

‘I’m here living this incredible moment for me, and we’ll see what happens after the World Cup.’

Argentina will take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals after they beat Colombia in a penalty shootout on Tuesday evening.

The winner of that match will take on either England or Norway for a place in next Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

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