Chelsea have reportedly set a £100m asking price for Enzo Fernandez amid interest from Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old is likely to feature for the Blues on Saturday afternoon, when the international break will end with a trip to Leicester City.
Fernandez is not guaranteed to start for Chelsea, though, with the midfielder spending the past fortnight in South America with Argentina.
The 2022 World Cup started both of his nation's matches during the November schedule against Peru and Paraguay, with Lionel Scaloni's side collecting maximum points.
Since making the high-profile move from Benfica to Chelsea during the January window of 2023, Fernandez has featured on 77 occasions for the Blues, scoring seven times.
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Chelsea set hefty Fernandez asking price amid Real Madrid interest?
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central via Fichajes, Real Madrid are eyeing the acquisition of Chelsea enforcer Fernandez in the near future.
The report claims that the Blues are willing to listen to offers for the midfielder within the right price range, meaning that his two-year stay at Stamford Bridge could come to an end soon.
Chelsea are not wanting to part ways with Fernandez for cheap, though, with Enzo Maresca's side demanding £100m for the services of the 34-time international.
It is understood that Real Madrid view the 23-year-old as a player who could distribute the ball well from the base of midfield in Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Following the retirement of legendary midfielder Toni Kroos and with Luka Modric coming towards the end of his career, Los Blancos are chasing reinforcements for their engine room.
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Fernandez's uncertain Chelsea future
Greeted with a bloated first-team squad on his arrival during the summer, Chelsea boss Maresca has been forced to make some tough decisions early on at Stamford Bridge.
Senior stars of the past such as Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are now surplus to requirements in West London, while others have been limited to starts in the Conference League.
Fernandez currently lines up in Maresca's preferred Premier League XI, however the amount of competition in midfield areas means that the Argentine's spot is uncertain.
The 23-year-old has started just six top-flight matches so far, and a slight lack of regular minutes may lead to the player dreaming of a Real Madrid move.
Carter White
