'The chosen one': Real Madrid go all in for Fernandez with Chelsea talks 'in motion'

Updated: 23 Jun 2026 14:38 BST | 4 min read

Enzo Fernandez, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Suraj Radia | Editor

Real Madrid have identified Enzo Fernandez as ‘the chosen one’ and have made the decision to make a formal move for the Chelsea man as their marquee arrival for the summer.

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Madrid president Florentino Perez has been keen to bring a superstar to the club following his re-election and his ideal target would have been Michael Olise, with Los Blancos reportedly willing to shell out a world record fee for the winger.

However, Bayern Munich have no intention to consider offers for Olise and this has led to Madrid deciding ‘in recent hours’ to go all in for Fernandez, according to AS.

Current ETV

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€90.4M - €110.5M

Negotiations with Chelsea are ‘set in motion’ in the coming days, while Madrid already have Fernandez’s approval, with the 25-year-old allegedly telling the club that he will do 'all he can' to make a transfer happen.

Fernandez is described as Jose Mourinho’s ‘number one wish’ and the ‘perfect midfielder’ for his project despite Real Madrid having considered a number of alternatives in recent weeks.

Madrid are aware that Chelsea will demand a fee well in excess of €100 million for Fernandez but they are hoping that the player’s determination to join will help ease negotiations over a fee, while they will look to sell a number of players to finance a move.

Real Madrid rule out alternatives to tempt Chelsea into Fernandez sale

Fernandez has been vocal over his desire to move to Madrid, to the point where the Argentine international was reprimanded by Chelsea over public comments he repeatedly made over the course of last season.

© IMAGO - Enzo Fernandez is keen to move to Real Madrid.

Despite having a contract until 2032, Fernandez has been pushing to leave Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s failure to secure European football for next season.

Chelsea do not have much desire to sell their star midfielder this summer, particularly after already seeing Marc Cucurella join Madrid and with new manager Xabi Alonso being keen to build around Fernandez.

However, Real Madrid will push for Fernandez after believing Ayyoub Bouaddi to be ‘too young and inexperienced’, while Mateus Fernandes is said to prefer a move to Tottenham where he would get more game time.

Much will depend on Chelsea’s asking price and whether they will hold out for a profit on a player they signed for €120m, knowing that Madrid are desperate to sign Fernandez and make a superstar signing at any cost.

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