Real Madrid insist they have no interest in signing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez | OneFootball

Real Madrid have denied holding an interest in signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Reports in recent weeks have linked Madrid with a move for the Argentina international, and this week Marca reported comments from his agent Javier Pastore saying Fernandez would be keen to live in the Spanish capital.

But the La Liga giants have issued a statement intended to kill speculation over a possible deal.

“In light of the information and statements that have emerged in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid CF in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation,” the statement said.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognised, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.

“Precisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid’s actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.”

Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 in a deal reportedly worth £107m, just a few months after he had helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.

Last season Fernandez scored 10 goals in 35 Premier League starts for the Blues, taking his total in Chelsea colours to 31 goals in 169 appearances in all competitions.

However, Chelsea have missed out on European qualification for next season after limping to a 10th-placed finish.

Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso was named as their new manager in May.