Arsenal join Enzo Fernandez race after Real Madrid transfer statement

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Arsenal and Manchester City have both reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer.

The Argentina international has been widely tipped to leave Stamford Bridge before Deadline Day on 1 September and his agent, Javier Pastore, has confirmed that he is exploring a possible move away from west London.

Real Madrid have been considered to be the frontrunners for Fernandez’s signature for several months and it’s understood that a Bernabeu switch is wanted by the 25-year-old, with the midfielder keen to join former Chelsea team-mate Marc Cucurella in the Spanish capital.

But, Los Blancos have ruled out a move and Fernandez is now facing the prospect of being forced to remain at Chelsea, despite his desire to leave.

However, Italian transfer reporter Gianluigi Longari has revealed that both Arsenal and Man City are “gathering information” on the Argentina midfielder as they eye an ambitious summer move.

Arsenal’s interest in Fernandez comes amid their struggles to finalise a deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, while Man City seemingly remain keen on a transfer despite their recent purchase of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson for a club-record fee.

Real Madrid rule out Enzo Fernandez transfer

Arsenal and Man City’s interest in Fernandez comes after Real Madrid released an official statement to confirm they aren’t in talks to sign the Chelsea midfielder this summer.

It’s understood that he is eager to complete a move to the Bernabeu before the end of the transfer window, but Los Blancos currently have no plans to engage in formal negotiations with Chelsea.

A statement posted on the club’s website read: “In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid CF in the player Enzo Fernández, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.

“Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.

“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the lack of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans and unnecessarily harming the entities and people involved.”