Real Madrid News
Real Madrid growing pessimistic regarding the signing of Chelsea superstar
Real Madrid continue to explore options in midfield ahead of the new season, but the prospect of signing Enzo Fernandez appears increasingly complicated.
According to information revealed by Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, sources inside the club believe that Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid is unlikely, despite the Argentine remaining Jose Mourinho’s preferred choice.
The Portuguese coach is understood to be pushing for the arrival of an experienced midfielder, with the Chelsea star identified as the ideal profile.
However, the financial demands involved in the operation are proving difficult to overcome.
The latest Real Madrid transfer news suggests that while Fernandez remains on the club’s radar, there is currently little optimism regarding a potential agreement.
What’s the story?
The Enzo Fernandez transfer has been discussed internally at Real Madrid for several weeks, with Mourinho making the World Cup winner his priority midfield signing for the summer.
The Real Madrid manager believes the Argentine possesses qualities that are currently missing from the squad, including control in possession, defensive intensity and the ability to dictate the rhythm of matches.
However, club sources have reportedly downplayed the chances of completing a deal.
Chelsea are demanding around £120 million for the midfielder, which translates to approximately €140 million, creating arguably the biggest stumbling block in negotiation.
Now, it must be remembered that although Mourinho still wants to add a new midfielder, the Real Madrid hierarchy has made it clear that arrivals must be balanced with departures.
As things stand, Chelsea’s asking price for Enzo Fernandez places the midfielder beyond what Real Madrid are currently willing to commit.
So what now?
Real Madrid priority midfield signing discussions are also heavily linked to potential exits from the first team.
After moving aggressively in the transfer market, signing four players already, the club is now looking to create financial flexibility before committing to another marquee acquisition.
According to reports, a significant departure in midfield may be necessary before Madrid can seriously pursue another elite player.
On that note, Eduardo Camavinga’s future remains one of the biggest talking points within the squad.
The French midfielder is considered the most likely candidate to leave, although it is crucial to note that he is reluctant to consider an exit this summer.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
