Chelsea will demand a fee of around £120 million ($161 million) if Enzo Fernandez attempts to force a summer departure from Stamford Bridge, sources have told ESPN.
Enzo Fernandez Can Leave Chelsea — But Only for £120 Million, Sources Say
The 25-year-old midfielder is weighing his options after the Blues finished tenth in the Premier League, missing out on European qualification entirely.
Chelsea expect Fernandez to report for preseason training following the World Cup, but speculation continues to grow that he might formally request a transfer.
The Argentina international remains under contract at Chelsea until 2032.
The club would prefer to keep such an influential player, but sources indicate any interested club must surpass the £107 million ($144 million) Chelsea paid Benfica for Fernández in February 2023.
Real Madrid hold an interest in the midfielder, though the asking price poses a significant obstacle.
The Spanish club’s transfer strategy also remains unclear due to upcoming presidential elections. Manchester City are monitoring the situation as well.
Chelsea face no financial pressure to sell. However, cashing in on Fernández would help fund a squad rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso.
It remains unclear whether Alonso and Fernández have spoken yet. Alonso officially begins his four-year contract at Stamford Bridge on July 1.
Fernández first hinted at his unhappiness in March following Chelsea’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Zabi Alsonso later dropped him for two matches after Fernández told ESPN Argentina during an international break:
“I’d like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid.” Those comments fueled speculation about a move to the Spanish capital.
The player’s agent, Javier Pastore, called the punishment “completely unfair.”
Pastore added that even though Fernández accepted the club’s stance, “we don’t understand the punishment because he doesn’t mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea.”
Fernández has scored 19 goals and registered 17 assists in 117 Premier League appearances for Chelsea.
