Chelsea are preparing a new contract offer for midfielder Enzo Fernandez as the club attempts to fend off interest from several European giants, including Manchester City and Real Madrid, according to transfer expert Nicolo Schira. The Argentina international has been a key figure for Chelsea since joining from Benfica in January 2023, but his future at Stamford Bridge has been subject to speculation amid the club’s recent poor form.
Despite having six years remaining on his current deal, Fernandez has been linked with a possible exit this summer, with reports suggesting he is not considered ‘untouchable’ by the club, unlike players such as Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer. Fernandez himself hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid during the March international break. However, his performance against Liverpool on Saturday, where he scored Chelsea’s equaliser, has seemingly prompted a change in approach from the Blues.
The proposed new contract would reportedly be valid until either 2033 or 2034. Recent talks regarding a contract extension stalled, with Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, stating in April that initial offers did not meet the player’s expectations. Pastore indicated that Fernandez believes his current earnings do not reflect his capabilities and that further negotiations were postponed until after the World Cup, with a willingness to explore other options if an agreement couldn’t be reached.
Pastore stated that the previous discussions were paused because the terms weren't suitable for either party, emphasising Fernandez’s desire for a contract that accurately reflects his value to the team. He also acknowledged that the club may have been frustrated by the lack of an agreement, given Fernandez’s importance to the squad. Currently, Fernandez has scored 30 goals in 166 appearances for Chelsea, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is calculated at €91.3 million.
Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid are all monitoring Fernandez’s situation, with Real Madrid currently considered the frontrunners should he decide to leave Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window. The outcome of the new contract negotiations will likely determine whether Fernandez remains a Chelsea player or seeks a new challenge elsewhere.
