Real Madrid News
Chelsea set €120 million asking price for Real Madrid transfer target – report
Chelsea have reportedly set a €120m price tag for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who is being closely monitored by Real Madrid, according to Fichajes.
This demand comes after Chelsea informed Real Madrid about their asking price, with the Spanish club eager to strengthen their midfield.
Real Madrid are looking for a player who can take on the important role of controlling the ball and dictating play from midfield and this has become a necessity as Luka Modric is close to retiring while Aurelien Tchouameni has no convinced the club of his quality.
An old target
At just 23 years old, Fernandez has become an appealing target for Real Madrid, who has previously tried to sign the Argentine on two occasions. Initially, during his time at River Plate, and later before his move to Benfica.
Fernandez’s technical skills, vision, and ability to distribute the ball make him an ideal fit for Real Madrid’s long-term midfield plans.
The club is still actively exploring ways to ensure a solid and reliable midfield for the future, and Fernandez could be a key part of that vision.
Advantage of the situation
Currently, his situation at Chelsea could make a transfer more feasible. Despite his talent, Fernandez has not enjoyed consistent playing time under coach Enzo Maresca, which has led to rumours about his future.
With the next few transfer windows fast approaching, the 23-year-old might be looking for a fresh challenge, making his departure from Chelsea more likely.
Though Fernandez has faced some challenges at Chelsea, his talent remains undeniable.
This explains the hefty price tag set by the English club. Real Madrid will now have to decide whether they are willing to meet Chelsea’s demands for a player who could enhance their midfield both in the immediate future and for years to come.
This negotiation is expected to be one of the most talked-about transfers in the upcoming window, with other clubs likely to show interest in a player of Fernandez’s calibre.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
