Revealed: Chelsea’s response to £200m+ Real Madrid swoop
Chelsea’s response to Real Madrid’s interest in midfielders Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernadez has been revealed by Football Insider sources.
Fernandez has been at Stamford Bridge since his £107million move from Benfica in January 2023, with Caicedo joining from Brighton six months later in a package worth £115m.
The duo are mainstays in the Blues midfield and have consistently performed over the past two seasons.
Real Madrid have been linked with Fernandez for a number of months, with Caicedo now also in the sights of the Spanish giants.
Chelsea make sale decision on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez
Sources say that Chelsea are not willing to entertain offers for either Caicedo or Fernandez, who are both seen as key parts of future plans.
The pair are both on long-term contracts which don’t expire until the summer of 2031, meaning they have no obligation to sell.
Fernandez was criticised by Chelsea fans during their 2-1 win over Lincoln in the Carabao Cup, but kept his place in the team and scored in the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday (27 September).
As for Caicedo, who is leading the way across Europe for tackles and interceptions this season, he is one of the best midfielders around and will continue to attract interest.
Chelsea would want to make profit on midfield duo
Considering Chelsea paid over £100m each for Caicedo and Fernandez, if they were to part ways with their midfield duo, it would require a monster offer.
The Blues would expect to make a profit on the big fees they paid over two years ago, which would mean a combined total of well over £200m.
While it is unrealistic that Real Madrid would offer that at this stage, Chelsea are struggling with UEFA’s financial regulations, and a sale would provide them with the leeway they need.
If the situation worsens over the season, then we could get to a point where the West London side are forced to cash in on one of Caicedo or Fernandez.
For now though, the midfield duo will remain at Stamford Bridge, as Maresca looks to lift some of the pressure currently on his shoulders.
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