Real Madrid pursue Enzo Fernández transfer as Chelsea face pressure to sell

Real Madrid have intensified their interest in signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández as part of a major summer rebuild under new manager José Mourinho. The Spanish club has already completed signings of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, and Denzel Dumfries this summer and views a midfielder as a key priority for the campaign ahead. Madrid have admired Fernández since his time at Benfica before he joined Chelsea in 2023, and sources indicate the player himself would welcome a move to the Spanish capital, having previously expressed his desire to play in La Liga and his preference for living in Madrid.

Chelsea are expected to demand approximately £120 million for Fernández, a significant fee that reflects his importance to the club. However, while Chelsea insist they do not want to lose the 25-year-old Argentina international, sources suggest he is not considered 'untouchable' by the club hierarchy. The Blues' willingness to negotiate may be influenced by their disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League, which has created financial pressure to sell players this summer. Additionally, Fernández had previously been disciplined by Chelsea in April after publicly commenting about his desire to play in La Liga, suggesting lingering tensions around his future at Stamford Bridge.

José Mourinho has emerged as a key figure in pursuing the deal and is reportedly backing the move, having played an instrumental role in securing Bernardo Silva from Manchester City. Real Madrid have previously negotiated successfully with Chelsea to sign Cucurella this month, and relations between the two clubs remain good, though sources indicate that securing Fernández would prove more complex. Madrid are considering alternative midfield options, including West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, which are viewed as more financially accessible. The club is also prioritising additional signings, with defender Rúben Dias among the candidates to address other areas of the squad following two consecutive trophyless seasons.