Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid-linked Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.
Fernandez has made 75 competitive appearances since joining Chelsea in a £106.8m transfer from Benfica in January 2023.
The 23-year-old has been a regular starter for the majority of his Chelsea career, but he has recently lost his place in the side to Belgium international Romeo Lavia.
As a result, Fernandez has had to settle for substitute appearances in Chelsea's last three matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Having lost his spot in the lineup, the Argentine has been linked with a potential move away from Chelsea amid interest from Real Madrid.
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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 place in the Chelsea midfield.
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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.
However, with Mkhitaryan, Zielinski and Calhanoglu all in their thirties, Inter may view Fernandez as a candidate to add some youthfulness to their engine room.
