Real Madrid Opens Negotiations for Enzo Fernandes with Record-Breaking £120m Bid

Real Madrid has initiated formal negotiations with Chelsea to secure Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandes, with the transfer fee set at £120 million (approximately €140 million), potentially becoming the club's most expensive acquisition ever. According to transfer specialists Ben Jacobs and Matteo Moretto, Chelsea has set this substantial fee as a condition for the 25-year-old's departure, though the club remains open to the transfer. Fernandes has long expressed his desire to join the Spanish giants and move to Santiago Bernabéu, making the deal attractive to all parties involved.

The transfer would exceed Real Madrid's previous record signing, Jude Bellingham, who arrived for €127 million in 2023. Fernandes, who has a contract with Chelsea through mid-2032, is seen as a key priority as Real Madrid strengthens its squad following a disappointing previous season in which the club failed to secure major titles. Club president Florentino Pérez pledged significant investment during his re-election campaign, and the club has already secured signings including Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella, with deals for Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries also advanced though not yet officially announced.

Fernandes previously signaled his desire to leave Chelsea in April, resulting in a two-match suspension from the club. His addition would be Real Madrid's fifth major signing of the transfer window, representing part of a broader squad overhaul. While Chelsea appears willing to allow the departure, the club is unlikely to accept any offer below the €140 million threshold, giving them significant leverage in negotiations. Real Madrid is also exploring other reinforcements, including Manchester City's Rodri and West Ham's Matheus Fernandes, though the latter has also attracted interest from Manchester United.