A dramatic response from Chelsea to a swap deal with Real Madrid in exchange for allowing Enzo Fernández to move to the Bernabéu!

Real Madrid is once again making headlines as it dives deep into preparations for the summer transfer window, with newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso at the heart of these ambitious plans. Among the many targets identified to reinforce the squad, one name is now creating ripples across Europe — Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. A dramatic turn in the negotiations has now seen Chelsea respond boldly to the possibility of a swap deal involving Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes.

Since taking charge at the Bernabéu, Xabi Alonso has been clear about his intentions to reshape the midfield, especially in light of the looming retirement of German maestro Toni Kroos. Kroos, who has been instrumental to Real Madrid’s success over the years, is expected to bid farewell to professional football in the summer of 2024. In his absence, the club is searching for a technically gifted replacement capable of dictating play and controlling the tempo — a role Fernández is considered perfectly suited for.

Real Madrid’s renowned scouting chief Juni Calafat and his department have zeroed in on Enzo Fernández as their top candidate. The Argentine midfielder, known for his tactical intelligence, pinpoint passing, and robust defensive contributions, fits the mold of the modern-day creative anchor. His ability to operate as both a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box dynamo adds further value to his profile.

However, securing Enzo’s signature will not be a simple affair. Fernández, who joined Chelsea for a British record fee in early 2023, remains under contract until 2032. His market value hovers around €75 million, a price tag that Real Madrid is currently reluctant to meet outright. The club, although financially stable, remains cautious with its spending amidst several other transfer priorities — particularly in defense and attack.

One factor that could potentially unlock the deal is the future of Rodrygo Goes. The Brazilian winger, once seen as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s future, has seen his influence dip in recent seasons. As the club looks to make way for new attacking talent, including rising star Endrick and the ever-consistent Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo’s place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed. His potential exit could free up significant funds and squad space.

Amid this uncertainty, Chelsea has reportedly shown strong interest in Rodrygo. According to British outlet The Guardian, the London club is open to negotiating a swap deal that would see Enzo Fernández head to Madrid and Rodrygo make the switch to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, currently in the midst of their own rebuilding phase, views Rodrygo as a long-term investment and a solution to their attacking inconsistencies.

However, Chelsea’s response to the proposed swap deal has been far from passive. Club sources suggest that Chelsea is taking a firm stance in negotiations. While not opposed to the idea of a swap, the Blues are demanding favorable terms — possibly seeking additional cash along with Rodrygo or insisting on performance-related clauses that would benefit them in the long run.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, is still weighing the pros and cons. While Enzo Fernández offers an immediate solution to the midfield restructuring, parting with Rodrygo, who still holds immense potential, might not sit well with all members of the board. Moreover, with the club having already secured Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer, some argue that letting Rodrygo go might weaken the depth on the wings too drastically.

Despite these complications, negotiations remain active. Both clubs are believed to be open to creative solutions, including staggered payments, add-ons, and future resale clauses. Xabi Alonso is reportedly pressing the board to move swiftly, citing Enzo as a “non-negotiable” addition to his tactical setup ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

With the summer window approaching rapidly, all eyes are now on the Madrid-London axis. Will Real Madrid manage to convince Chelsea to part ways with their prized Argentine midfielder? Or will Chelsea’s bold stance force Los Blancos to look elsewhere? One thing is clear — the drama surrounding this high-stakes swap deal is far from over.

Stay tuned as the Enzo Fernández saga unfolds — it promises to be one of the most captivating stories of the summer.