Real Madrid release unusual statement on transfer links with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez - 'No intention of undertaking such an operation'
Updated 03/07/2026 at 09:43 GMT+1
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Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of releasing a statement on a proposed transfer target, namely Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital this summer.
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Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, gave interviews on Thursday where he had said that his team are looking at options to get the midfielder to Spain.
Fernandez has previously spoken about his desire to one day to live in Madrid. He was subsequently dropped for two games by Chelsea.
However, on Friday morning, the record-European Champions released a statement on those links to Fernandez, categorically denying that they had made an approach for the midfielder, adding that they will not attempt to pry the Argentina international away from Stamford Bridge.
The statement read: "In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid CF in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
"Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.
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"Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the lack of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans and unnecessarily harming the entities and people involved."
Madrid have already signed one player from Chelsea this summer with the arrival of Spanish full-back Marc Cucurella as they bid to get back to the top of Spanish and European football.
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Los Blancos failed to win a trophy last season; finishing eight points behind Barcelona in La Liga, knocked out in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey by Albacete and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
Chelsea also endured a troubled season, seeing Enzo Maresca step down in the New Year whilst finishing outside of the European places entirely, and losing in the final of the Emirates FA Cup to Manchester City.
Fernandez himself had a strong season, with 15 goals and seven assists across all competitions.
If he does remain in London, the 25-year-old will be playing under former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who was appointed earlier this summer.
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