Real Madrid publicly deny any interest in signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez

Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of publishing an official statement on their club website to deny any interest in signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, distancing themselves from persistent speculation linking them with the Argentina international.

In the statement, the Spanish club said they had made no efforts “either directly or indirectly” to sign Fernandez and had “no intention of pursuing such an operation.” Real Madrid added that the rumours were “unfounded and do not reflect reality,” and expressed regret that speculation continued to circulate despite what they described as a clear absence of any action on their part.

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a £107 million fee, has been repeatedly linked with a move to Madrid. The 24-year-old and his representatives had done little to publicly quash the rumours, and Chelsea went as far as handing him a two-game suspension after he spoke about his desire to move to the Spanish capital while on international duty.

Chelsea have maintained throughout that Fernandez is not for sale, and the club’s hierarchy are reported to view their relationship with the playmaker as repairable rather than broken.

In their statement, Real Madrid were careful to frame their denial in respectful terms, citing their “excellent institutional relationship” with Chelsea and the “principles of institutional loyalty” that guide the club’s conduct. “Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognised, as well as for Chelsea FC,” the statement read.

What specifically prompted Real Madrid to issue such a formal and detailed public denial at this moment remains unclear. Fernandez is currently on international duty with Argentina at the World Cup.

Chelsea endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign, finishing tenth in the Premier League after Enzo Maresca’s resignation midway through the season, with Liam Rosenior stepping in as his replacement. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach ahead of the new season as they look to rebuild.