Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, the Premier League’s most expensive signing, has caught the attention of Real Madrid, with reports suggesting Los Blancos are preparing a surprising offer to secure the Argentinian star.
The Blues acquired Fernandez shortly after his World Cup triumph in 2022, splashing a record-breaking £107 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Despite initial struggles under Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, the 24-year-old has flourished under current manager Enzo Maresca, earning the vice-captaincy and becoming a linchpin in Chelsea’s midfield alongside Moises Caicedo.
This season, Fernandez has tallied three goals and eight assists, helping Chelsea in their quest for a top-four finish. His performances have reportedly turned heads at Real Madrid, but the Spanish giants are not keen on paying a hefty transfer fee.
Instead, Real Madrid are said to be exploring a swap deal involving Aurelien Tchouameni, who joined the club from Monaco in 2022 for an initial £67 million.
The French international, who played against Fernandez in the 2022 World Cup final, has found his role at Real Madrid frustrating this season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has frequently deployed him as a center-back, rather than in his preferred defensive midfield position.
While Tchouameni’s defensive expertise is highly regarded, it remains unclear whether Chelsea would consider parting with Fernandez for a player with a different skill set.
Fernandez’s attacking contributions have been crucial this season, and Maresca’s faith in the midfielder as vice-captain underscores his importance to the squad.
Despite his rise in form, Fernandez has faced criticism. Former Liverpool legend Graeme Souness previously questioned the midfielder’s value, suggesting Chelsea overspent on a player who may not meet expectations:
“The most obvious one for me is someone who isn’t even in the team at the moment, Enzo Fernandez, on whom they spent £107million. They’ve bought a load of players who won’t reach the level they would’ve hoped.
Real Madrid’s interest, coupled with their willingness to offer a direct swap, highlights Fernandez’s growing reputation on the European stage.
However, whether Chelsea would entertain losing one of their prized assets, especially in the midst of their pursuit of Champions League qualification, remains to be seen.
As the January transfer window nears its end, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge and the Bernabeu to see if this bold move materializes.