Real Madrid have dismissed reports linking the club with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, insisting they have no plans to sign the Argentina international this summer.
The Spanish giants issued an official statement on Friday after speculation intensified following comments by Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, about the player’s future.
Pastore acknowledged Madrid’s appeal while discussing the Argentina midfielder.
He said: “Who doesn’t like Madrid? Enzo has many friends there. I also live in Madrid.”
The remarks sparked fresh speculation over a possible move to the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid, however, responded by distancing themselves from the reports.
The club said: “In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest in Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either directly or indirectly, to sign the player and has no intention of undertaking such an operation.”
Madrid added that the statement was issued out of respect for both Chelsea and the player, stressing that the transfer reports were “unfounded” and did not reflect reality. Chelsea have also confirmed they have not received any formal approach from the Spanish club.
Although the Premier League side are understood to value Fernandez at around £120 million should serious interest emerge, they are not actively seeking to sell the 25-year-old, who remains an important part of manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.
Fernandez, who is currently representing Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for several months.
He is, however, expected to return for Chelsea’s pre-season after the tournament, with Real Madrid maintaining they are not pursuing any deal for the former Benfica midfielder.
