Lionel Scaloni is reportedly on Florentino Perez's wishlist of candidates to replace Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager. The Argentina coach will lead the reigning World Champions into this summer's FIFA World Cup with the goal of replicating the nation's historic 2022 feat.
Fichajes reports that Perez has "set his sights" on Scaloni and they go as far as to suggest the club's president has told the board he's "the chosen one." The 47-year-old has yet to take charge of a European side but has previously worked at Sevilla as an assistant.
It's thought that Scaloni would welcome the opportunity to manage in elite European club football. He is seen as a good fit for the Madrid team and a natural successor to Carlo Ancelotti.
But if Madrid were to move for Scaloni after the World Cup he might not be the only Argentine on Los Blancos' radar.
Scaloni appointment could re-ignite interest in long-term target
Argentina became world champions in the winter of 2022 and Lionel Messi got his hands on the trophy for the first time in his career. But the former Barcelona forward wasn't the only star to shine bright in La Abiceleste's team.
Enzo Fernandez won the Young Player of the Tournament award after some dazzling displays for the South Americans. He quickly became one of Europe's most highly sought-after talents and it was Chelsea who secured his signature in January 2023 for €121 million.
Madrid were interested in signing Fernandez at the time but didn't want to pay such an astronomical fee for a player who'd only arrived in Europe a year before. He has since become one of Chelsea's most important players but hasn't quite hit the heights anticipated.
Scaloni's potential arrival as Alonso's replacement could re-ignite interest in Fernandez whose future isn't certain at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are struggling and are some way off challenging for the Premier League title.
It's claimed that Madrid are "seriously considering signing" the 24-year-old to help add more composure and organization to their midfield. There's hope that his national team manager could help aid a potential pursuit.
Fernandez wouldn't come cheaply but 'dreams' of Madrid
Fernandez is under contract with Chelsea until 2032 and players being on such long-term deals are normal at Stamford Bridge. But this doesn't completely rule out the Argentina international arriving at Madrid should Scaloni indeed take over from Alonso.
Defensa Central reported in October 2025 that the versatile midfielder's "dream is to play for Madrid." He would be "delighted" to sign for Los Blancos, who are expected to be in the market for a new midfielder this summer.
Dean Jones told TEAMtalk at the time that Chelsea would be prepared to listen to offers for the Argentine. He claims Madrid are expected to continue keeping tabs but the Premier League club will likely value him above the price they paid in early 2023.
Fernandez, who can play in central midfield and attacking midfield, has proven effective in front of goal, finding the back of the net eight times in 29 games this season. He could form a fine partnership with Jude Bellingham who similarly enjoyed a breakout World Cup in 2022.