Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has explained that he is not currently starting Enzo Fernandez because the midfielder’s ‘balance’ is better without him in, amid reports that Real Madrid want him.
Fernandez was signed in January 2023 for almost £107 million. It came at the end of a huge period in January for the Blues, not long after Todd Boehly became chairman.
But a year and a half after the big signing, the Argentinian is currently outside the plans of new manager Maresca.
He has started on the bench in the last two Premier League games, playing just 18 minutes in the last of them – a win against Newcastle.
Maresca has explained that he believes the balance of his team is currently better without Fernandez in it.
“First of all, it’s a matter of balance. At the moment, Romeo (Lavia) and Moises (Caicedo) are giving us physicality, strength in the middle,” he said at a press conference.
The fact that he is redundant in the matchday squad means that Chelsea can also do without Fernandez for good, which will be music to the ears of Real Madrid, who are apparently keen to sign him.
Indeed, Fichajes reports that he is the La Liga giants’ top target to improve their midfield, and they have two possible ways to secure the transfer.
It is said that they will offer Chelsea £84 million – a lot lower than their original outlay – or that they will offer Aurelien Tchouameni, presumably with some money, but how much has not been revealed.
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The report also suggests Fernandez could look for a route out of Stamford Bridge amid his current lack of minutes.
That may be a bit premature as he has only been out of action for two games, but if it continues, knowing big clubs are being linked with him, he could be looking towards the exit.
READ MORE: Chelsea plan to thwart Liverpool for Salah’s replacement with an exodus to help Blues