Enzo Fernandez has expressed his desire to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Real Madrid the favourites to sign the wantaway Chelsea midfielder.
Chelsea supporters who wanted the Argentine to remain will have hoped the arrival of Xabi Alonso would be enough to change his mind, but it appears Fernandez has already decided to move on.
The midfielder, who signed for £106.7 million three-and-a-half years ago, is determined to leave, though Chelsea want to keep him and will not block a move unless they receive an offer of £120 million.
Should that figure arrive, it would represent a healthy profit for the Blues after signing Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023.
Real Madrid are the frontrunners to secure his signature, though Manchester City have also registered interest, with Enzo Maresca set to be confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor in the near future.
Sources close to Fernandez suggest he was devastated when Maresca left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day, given the strong relationship the pair had developed.
Madrid would have to break their own transfer record if they are serious about bringing the Chelsea midfielder to the Santiago Bernabeu, which highlights the scale of the deal involved.
Regardless of whether Fernandez stays or goes, Chelsea are actively looking to add a starting-level central midfielder this summer, and Eduardo Camavinga has emerged as a realistic target.
Reports indicate Madrid will demand €80 million for the 23-year-old France international, who was left out of Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad this summer.
Camavinga was in and out of the Madrid side throughout the 2025/26 campaign, sparking widespread speculation about his future at the Spanish club.
There are clear positives to Camavinga’s profile, including his experience at the highest level, his ability to cover space effectively, and his skill in recycling possession.
Alonso coached Camavinga at the Bernabeu and used him in various positions throughout the 2025/26 season, making him well placed to extract the best from the Frenchman.
His injury record does warrant attention, with muscular problems having disrupted his consistency and overall progress during his time at Madrid.
Chelsea are prioritising a centre-back, a central midfielder, and a left-sided winger this summer, with Alonso understood to be aligned with the club’s sporting directors on their transfer plans.
