Marc Cucurella tells Real Madrid to sign Chelsea star: 'I hope it happens'

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella "hopes" that Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez follows him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spain international completed a surprise move to Los Blancos at the start of last week. Real Madrid agreed a €60 million package in the space of 24 hours to beat rivals Atletico Madrid and Premier League suitors to the signing of the left-back.

Cucurella wanted out of the club after Chelsea failed to qualify for Europe, so it was not shocking to see him complete his move. What was unexpected and slightly awkward, though, was that he ended up at Real Madrid after talking up a return to Barcelona in March.

It was somewhat ironic that it was he who joined Los Blancos, given that Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez had been publicly flirting with a move to the Spanish capital. But the Argentine may yet get his chance to reunite with Cucurella.

Fernandez has become Jose Mourinho's top midfield target, and Real Madrid are now actively exploring a move. In order to sign him, though, they will need to potentially shell out as much as €140m, which may necessitate a major sale beforehand.

Cucurella calls for Fernandez signing

Having now officially left Chelsea, Cucurella clearly feels under no obligation to hold his tongue when it comes to discussing potential transfer business. Speaking to Radio MARCA, the 27-year-old has openly called for Real Madrid to sign Fernandez.

"He's a great player and a friend of mine," Cucurella said of the Argentina international. "He congratulated me on the signing. I hope it [a transfer] happens. I would be very happy.

He added: "We were very happy at Chelsea, and to have the opportunity to both sign for Real Madrid in the same summer - I hope he's lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player."

Whether a deal indeed materialises is still up in the air, but things are moving behind the scenes. Ben Jacobs reports that discussions between Real Madrid and Fernandez's camp are now in full swing. Personal terms will likely not be a problem.

Doubts remain over Real Madrid's ability to meet Chelsea's asking price, but the fact that they made a €150m bid for Julian Alvarez - even if it was just a red herring - suggests that they should find the money required to sign Fernandez eventually.