Real Madrid warned off 'very important' top target by Premier League manager

Real Madrid might have a fight on their hands to land one of their top targets given his manager's comments about speculation over his future. A new midfielder seems likely to be on the club's radar when the summer transfer window opens.

Florentino Perez's transfer chiefs have used the Premier League to sign talent recently. They swooped for Trent Alexander-Arnold when his contract with Liverpool was expiring and also paid a €59.4m release clause to bring Dean Huijsen to the Spanish capital from Bournemouth.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has emerged as target although there's an understanding that it would take a huge fee to sign the Argentine. But he's long been of interest to Madrid and was on the club's wishlist before he moved to Stamford Bridge in January 2023.

Chelsea's hands off response over Real Madrid target Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez continues to be one of Chelsea's most important players since arriving in West London from Benfica. He cost a then-club-record €121m and despite some struggles has become somewhat of a leader with the Blues.

Liam Rosenior who replaced Enzo Maresca as Fernandez's manager earlier this month responded to speculation over Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest. He said (via Sky Sports):

"When you're a world class player an outstanding player, there will always be speculation that you can't control. What I've said about Enzo on record is the case, he's been outstanding in the time I've worked with him.

Rosenior continued by revealing his hopes for them to be working together in the long run:

He's a Chelsea player, he's very very important to me and I think we're gonna have a really really good hopefully winning relationship moving forward in the short term and the long term."

Fernandez has seven years left on his contract which means Chelsea are under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old this summer. But some reports claim that it his dream to one day play for Madrid and the Spanish heavyweights might need him to push for a move to make it happen.

What could Enzo Fernandez to bring to Madrid?

Fernandez is a versatile midfielder who is able to adapt to different roles including defensively and in attack. He has proven to be an asset in front of goal, registering eight goals and four assists in 31 games across competitions this season.

Madrid need a creative outlet and this was something Xabi Alonso highlighted to the board last summer. The Argentina international could be a solution in that respect and he also covers a lot of ground and is an engine room.