Fernandez wants Chelsea exit but club would demand 120m

Enzo Fernandez is seeking a move away from Chelsea after the club failed to qualify for Europe. Chelsea are expected to demand around £120m for the Argentina midfielder, reflecting his 2032 contract and the fee paid when he joined from Benfica in 2023 for £107m. Fernandez remains in Chelsea’s planning for next season, but the club would consider offers that meet their valuation. His agent, Javier Pastore, is exploring destinations, with Real Madrid identified as a preferred option. Manchester City are also mentioned, though their priority is signing Elliot Anderson. Paris St-Germain have played down the likelihood of a transfer. Real Madrid are reluctant to meet Chelsea’s asking price unless they can raise funds through player sales, and Chelsea expect to invest in Premier League-ready talent for Xabi Alonso after a disappointing 10th-place finish without trophies.

"Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea after they failed to qualify for Europe, but the club will ask for 120m for the Argentina midfielder. The 25-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for 107m, is under contract until 2032, which is reflected in the potential fee. The World Cup winner remains part of the club's planning for next season, but Chelsea would consider offers that meet their valuation."

"Fernandez finished runner-up in Chelsea's player of the season award after scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists last season. Javier Pastore, Fernandez's agent, is exploring potential destinations, notably his preferred option of Real Madrid. Alternatives include Manchester City - who are expected to appoint former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor in the coming days - but their priority is signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson."

"Meanwhile, French club Paris St-Germain have downplayed the likelihood of a transfer despite having been linked with a move. Real are known to be unwilling to pay Chelsea's asking price unless they are able to raise significant funds in player sales, having also been linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Senior figures at Stamford Bridge accept they will need to invest in established, Premier League-ready talent for new manager Xabi Alonso after a disappointing season in which Chelsea finished 10th and without a trophy."

Read at www.bbc.com