Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine midfielder currently with Chelsea, as a potential transfer target. This development comes as Fernandez, once a fixture in Chelsea’s starting lineup, has recently found himself on the bench. Real Madrid has already expressed interest in him, but now, the competition for his signature is heating up with two more European giants in the mix.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in a high-profile transfer from Benfica in January 2023. At £106.8 million, the move marked him as one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history and brought with it high expectations. Fernandez had garnered international attention due to his impressive performances at Benfica and his role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Upon joining Chelsea, he quickly became an important part of the team, showing his playmaking abilities and contributing both defensively and offensively. In his 75 competitive appearances for Chelsea so far, Fernandez has proven to be a versatile midfielder who can influence the game from different positions on the pitch.
Despite this initial success, the 23-year-old’s Chelsea journey has recently taken a challenging turn. New manager decisions and squad reshuffling have seen Fernandez lose his starting spot to Romeo Lavia, the young Belgian midfielder who joined Chelsea as part of their extensive squad overhaul. Lavia has performed admirably, and as a result, Fernandez has only managed substitute appearances in Chelsea’s last three matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United. Although he is still valued by the club, this shift has prompted discussions around his future at Stamford Bridge, with speculation that he may be open to exploring other options.
Real Madrid has been linked to Fernandez for several months now, and their interest is seen as part of a broader strategy to reinforce their midfield with young talent. With players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos nearing the end of their careers, Madrid is keen to secure long-term replacements. They have already brought in players like Jude Bellingham, but Fernandez’s mix of creative play and defensive capabilities makes him an attractive addition. Madrid's interest in Fernandez is also a sign of their respect for his abilities, as they typically reserve their transfer targets for players who have the potential to shape the club's future.
However, Real Madrid isn’t alone in recognizing Fernandez’s talents. Barcelona and Inter Milan have reportedly joined the race for the Argentine midfielder. Barcelona, in particular, is always on the lookout for players who fit their philosophy of play. Known for their intricate passing and possession-based style, Barcelona would benefit from Fernandez’s ability to control the midfield and link defense with attack. Barcelona is still in a period of rebuilding following the departures of several club legends, and bringing in a player of Fernandez’s caliber could add stability to their midfield for years to come. However, Barcelona’s financial limitations mean that they would likely need to negotiate a loan or staggered payment deal with Chelsea if they are serious about securing Fernandez’s services.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, has been on the rise in Serie A and would see Fernandez as a valuable asset who could strengthen their midfield options. Known for their pragmatic yet highly efficient style, Inter would likely be interested in Fernandez’s defensive strengths and his versatility in both deep-lying and advanced midfield roles. Inter has shown ambition in recent transfer windows, making moves to keep up with Serie A competitors like AC Milan and Juventus. Bringing in a player of Fernandez’s caliber would bolster their lineup and add depth as they aim to compete both domestically and in European tournaments.
Chelsea finds itself at a crossroads regarding Fernandez. They invested significantly in him with the expectation that he would be a long-term asset for the club. Yet, with the recent changes and the emergence of other young talents, Chelsea may be open to letting him go, especially if they can recoup a large portion of their initial investment. The club’s extensive spending under new ownership means that financial flexibility is a priority, and selling Fernandez could open up options to pursue new targets.
From Fernandez’s perspective, leaving Chelsea could be beneficial if he is looking for regular first-team football. As a young and ambitious player, he’ll want to maintain his development trajectory, which can be hampered if he spends extended time on the bench. Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Inter would each offer Fernandez a new challenge and the chance to play in a different league, each with its own unique style and competitive environment. His decision will likely depend on factors such as potential playing time, the manager’s vision, and the role he would play within the squad.
Ultimately, the next few months will be crucial for Fernandez and his future at Chelsea. The January transfer window could see increased activity, especially if the interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan translates into concrete offers. For Chelsea, this presents both an opportunity and a dilemma—either hold onto a talented player who may yet return to form in their lineup or allow him to move on, freeing up space for other emerging talents within the squad.
Barcelona, Inter enter Fernandez race
A recent report claimed that Real Madrid could use Aurelien Tchouameni in a potential swap deal for Chelsea's Fernandez.
However, if Real Madrid decide to step up their interest, they could face competition from two other European giants.
According to The Sun, Barcelona and Inter are both showing an interest in the 2022 World Cup winner.
The report claims that Barcelona and Inter are keeping a close eye on Fernandez's situation at Stamford Bridge as they weigh up whether to make a move in 2025.
Fernandez is said to be keen to fight for his place in Enzo Maresca's side, but he is reluctant to settle for a bench role for a considerable period.
As a result, the Argentina international may consider his Chelsea future if he fails to win back his placement in the Chelsea midfield
Why are Barcelona and Inter interested in Fernandez?
On the face of it, Barcelona have no immediate need to sign Fernandez due to their array of top-quality midfield options.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick can currently call upon the likes of Gavi, Marc Casado, Pedri and Frenkie De Jong at his disposal.
However, the Blaugrana may be keen to add further strength in depth, having seen Pedri, Gavi and de Jong all struggle with injury in the past year.
De Jong also continues to be linked with a move away, especially as he now has less than two years remaining on his Barcelona contract.
As for Inter, they also have a number of central midfield options in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Hakan Calhanoglu.
0 Comments