Chelsea Attempt to Deter Real Madrid from Pursuing Enzo Fernandez with €200m Valuation: Reports

In a bold move to protect their prized asset, Chelsea have reportedly slapped a staggering €200 million price tag on midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine star, who struggled initially under the new manager Enzo Maresca, has since re-established himself as a pivotal figure in the squad, leading to increased interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid.

The midfield area remains a key focus for Real Madrid, especially after the retirement of Toni Kroos and with Luka Modric’s contract expiring soon. The Spanish giants have been on the lookout for a long-term replacement, and Fernandez, who has shown exceptional qualities in his first full season at Chelsea, has emerged as a prime target. However, despite Fernandez’s rejuvenation, Chelsea, having spent €121 million to bring him from Benfica in January 2023, are keen on holding onto him for the foreseeable future. They view him as a central figure in their future project and will only entertain offers that meet their exorbitant valuation.

Real Madrid, while keen on strengthening their midfield, have made it clear that they are not willing to meet Chelsea’s €200 million asking price. The Spanish club has reportedly informed Chelsea that they will not engage in any negotiations at that figure. Instead, they have started to turn their attention to alternative midfield targets, including Crystal Palace’s rising star Adam Wharton, who has caught the eye with his performances in the Premier League.

Despite their unwillingness to meet Chelsea’s demands, Real Madrid’s interest in Fernandez is unlikely to fade quickly. The Argentine, who has already cemented his place in the national team, remains one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe. If Chelsea’s stance softens in the future or if Real Madrid can find a way to structure a deal, the move could still materialize, but it seems unlikely in the short term.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is continuing to build their team around Fernandez, with the club investing in young talent across various positions. They see the midfielder as part of a long-term solution to their midfield issues, and with new signings and a renewed sense of direction under Maresca, they are looking to make a strong push for major honors in the coming seasons.

While Fernandez’s future at Chelsea looks secure for now, the situation surrounding his transfer remains fluid. Both clubs will likely continue to monitor each other’s moves, but for now, it appears that the €200 million price tag will effectively keep Real Madrid at bay.

In the midst of this saga, another transfer battle could be on the horizon for Chelsea and Real Madrid, this time involving River Plate’s 17-year-old star, Franco Mastantuono. The young midfielder has been making waves in South America and is being eyed by several top European clubs. Although Chelsea are reportedly interested, Mastantuono is said to prefer a move to Real Madrid. However, his €40 million price tag could deter the Spanish giants, leaving the door open for Chelsea to step in and secure his signature.

Real Madrid’s current focus on midfield reinforcements also speaks to their broader strategy of rebuilding the squad for the future. With some of their veteran players nearing the end of their careers, the club is positioning itself to remain competitive on the European stage for years to come.

While the transfer window may seem far off, these developments highlight the ongoing battle between two of Europe’s heavyweights for the best young talent. Both clubs are determined to secure their futures with the right acquisitions, and as always, Chelsea and Real Madrid are expected to play a major role in the next round of high-profile transfers.

In conclusion, Chelsea’s €200 million valuation of Enzo Fernandez reflects their belief in his importance to their project, while Real Madrid’s unwillingness to meet such a price underscores their focus on finding value in the market. As the summer transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see how these two clubs navigate their pursuit of Fernandez and whether other midfield prospects, like Mastantuono, will become the focal point of this ongoing transfer saga.