Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer window. But with the Argentine also being monitored by Real Madrid, could another Fernandez at PSG already have made his move irrelevant?
Following Chelsea's Champions League exit, the 25-year-old cast serious doubt over his future with comments suggesting significant uncertainty about his long-term future at the current sixth-placed Premier League side. In response, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have hit back by opening contract extension talks with the player's entourage, with a substantial pay rise on the table.
PSG stepping back — a different Fernandez takes centre stage
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that discussions between Chelsea and Fernandez over a new deal are under way, while stressing that no agreement has yet been reached. That leaves the door open to a departure in the next transfer window — for a fee Romano places at a minimum of £86m.
Can PSG afford such a sum? According to Romano, the Ligue 1 leaders are actually less interested than previously reported — the journalist states that PSG are not actively working on a move for the midfielder. The club are satisfied with the composition of their midfield, and the arrival of Dro Fernandez — aged 18, signed from Barcelona this winter — has been warmly received.
The Spaniard scored against Nice at the weekend and his role within the squad is expected to grow next season.
One Fernandez hiding another at the Parc des Princes?
Based on Romano's information, it would be highly surprising to see PSG pursue Enzo Fernandez in the coming months, with the same surname already well represented at the club. As for Real Madrid, the journalist does not offer a verdict — but instead allows the Argentine to speak for himself.
When asked about links to the Spanish giants, Fernandez was unequivocal: “No, honestly, nothing. Zero talks. Now we're focused on Chelsea and what's left of the last few games this season and then we'll see after the World Cup.”
The noise surrounding the 25-year-old — linking him with Paris or Madrid — could well be coming from his own camp, as a way of maximising his leverage in contract negotiations with the Blues. According to Capology, Fernandez currently earns £11.6m per year including bonuses at Chelsea.
