Real Madrid have revealed they have no intention of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandes this summer, despite repeated rumors linking them with the Argentina World Cup star. Fernandes informed the Blues a few months ago that he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge after learning that the Whites had shown a strong interest in him.
Chelsea have made it clear to Fernandes and his potential suitors that the Argentine international is free to leave, but only for a transfer fee of £120 million. Overseas reports in recent days suggested that Chelsea and Real Madrid were in talks over a potential transfer, but Los Blancos have now officially refuted the claims. Fernandes’ outspoken agent Javier Pastore said on Thursday that his client is keen to move to the Bernabéu, adding that the interest has been reciprocated.
But in a dramatic turn of events, the Spanish capital club issued a strongly worded statement denying that negotiations had taken place or that any “efforts” had taken place, and insisted they would not pursue a deal for Fernandes in the coming weeks.
Madrid said in a statement: “In view of the reports and statements of recent days regarding the alleged interest of Enzo Fernández by Real Madrid CF, the club would like to state that it has not made any efforts, directly or indirectly, to sign the aforementioned player, nor does it intend to undertake any such operation.”
“Real Madrid would like to pay its highest respect to Enzo Fernandes, a great footballer whose career and qualities are widely known, and to Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent organizational relationship.
“Precisely because of the respect that an organization like Chelsea FC deserves and the principle of loyalty to the organization that has always governed Real Madrid’s actions, the club believes that it is necessary to categorically reject speculation that is unfounded and inconsistent with reality.
“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the facts being clear and no action being taken by the club, information inconsistent with reality continues to be spread, causing confusion among fans and causing unnecessary damage to the organizations and people involved.”
Chelsea officials remain unfazed by the situation. The club let Ferndes go and never had any real intention of continuing to hold the 25-year-old in such high esteem.
However, his desire to leave was acknowledged and the club were prepared to allow him to leave if the right offer materialized.
