‘Real Madrid could offer duo in swap deal’ -Chelsea part-exchange mooted
Chelsea have slapped a huge price tag on star midfielder Enzo Fernandez amid interest from Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old joined the Blues for £107million from Benfica back in January 2023, penning an eight and a half year contract which runs until 2031.
Fernandez has caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are beginning a new era under Xabi Alonso, after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.
However, after spending so much on the Argentine just two and a half years ago, the West London club wouldn’t be willing to let him go on the cheap.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes it would take a fee of £100million to persuade Chelsea to part with their midfielder.
‘Real Madrid can’t afford Fernandez’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Real Madrid are not as wealthy as everyone makes out, and would not be able to afford Fernandez.
Los Blancos have already brought in the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth so far this summer.
Wyness added that Fernandez is happy at Chelsea currently and pleased with the progress they are making.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Chelsea have set a £100m price tag again. It’s their favorite number at the moment. Nicolas Jackson, £100m. Enzo Fernandez, £100m.
“Everybody knows that Chelsea don’t have to sell. They will sell though, when it suits them and they’ll make a deal when they have to.
“I don’t think Real Madrid actually would be able to pay that sort of money, to be honest. Real Madrid are not quite as wealthy as everybody makes out them to be in terms of things at the present. That’s why we always see Real Madrid looking for things like the European Super League, because they need more money.
“I don’t think that’ll get done at that sort of level, unless there was some sort of player swap involved, which would suit Chelsea to a degree, as there could be a Real Madrid player or two they could have interest in.
“I think Fernandez will be pleased with Chelsea at the moment where they’re going.”
Chelsea fire sale intensifies
Meanwhile, Chelsea are launching a fire sale as they prepare to sell players before they sign more players, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues are currently under UEFA sanctions, which require them to balance out their transfer outlay with player sales in order for them to register new signings for the Champions League next season.
Sources say that the West London side are aiming to offload some of their fringe players to raise funds and avoid further punishment.
If Chelsea can find buyers for enough of the unwanted members of their squad, then they could still go back into the transfer market to bolster their ranks further.
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