Enzo Fernandez prepared to submit transfer request to force Real Madrid move
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reportedly ready to submit a formal transfer request to push for a summer move to Real Madrid. According to a report from Spanish television show El Chiringuito, cited by The Sun, the 25-year-old Argentina international is prepared to take the drastic step in an attempt to convince Chelsea to sanction his departure. Fernandez still has six years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but his relationship with the club has become strained.
Real Madrid have identified Fernandez as a primary midfield target for the upcoming window as they plan for a future beyond veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The Spanish giants' interest is understood to be reciprocated by the player, who has long been admired by the club. However, negotiations are complicated by Chelsea's valuation, which is believed to be in the region of €150 million, a figure Real Madrid are currently unwilling to match.
The situation escalated following comments Fernandez made while on international duty, where he expressed a desire to live in Madrid and praised Kroos and Modric as the best opponents he has faced. Chelsea responded by sanctioning the player, leaving him out of their FA Cup win over Port Vale and their upcoming Premier League fixture against Manchester City. This disciplinary action has further fueled speculation about his future and drawn criticism from his agent, Javier Pastore.
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in a British record €121 million deal in January 2023. While he has shown flashes of his technical quality and passing range, his time in West London has been inconsistent, coinciding with a period of significant upheaval at the club under its new ownership. Sources indicate that the Chelsea board does not consider Fernandez among the club's 'untouchable' players, suggesting a sale could be facilitated for an acceptable offer.
Chelsea's recruitment team appears to be planning for potential departures. The club has already agreed personal terms with Strasbourg's 21-year-old midfielder Valentin Barco ahead of a summer move. Furthermore, should Fernandez depart, Chelsea could revive their interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, according to widespread reports. This activity suggests the Blues are preparing contingency plans for a midfield reshuffle.
For Real Madrid, securing Fernandez would represent a major coup as they continue to refresh their legendary midfield. A transfer request from the player himself could be a pivotal moment, potentially pressuring Chelsea to lower their asking price and negotiate a deal. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Fernandez's push for a move to the Bernabeu proves successful, marking a significant early storyline in the 2026 summer transfer window.
