Chelsea are poised to get the better of Real Madrid in a transfer arm wrestle over a world-class performer.
Real Madrid have taken an interest in Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez ahead of the summer, with the Bernabeu side alerted to the possible availability of the World Cup winner earlier in the campaign.
Enzo’s fortunes have changed since then. Initially, he struggled to make an impact under Enzo Maresca, but now the Argentine is thriving in the heart of the Chelsea midfield, where he has re-established himself as a key player.
And the Stamford Bridge side have underlined this fact by slapping a €200 million price tag on a player they bought for €121m from Benfica in January 2023.
In return, Real Madrid have told Chelsea that they have no intention of meeting these demands for Enzo.
Instead, the Spaniards are now ready to explore other deals, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton likely to be one player they monitor. The Englishman has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €48.9m.
Joao Felix close to surprise Chelsea exit
Chelsea have been given hope of making a quick sale of one unwanted Stamford Bridge star, Fichajes reports.
Portugal international Joao Felix, who has struggled during a loan spell with AC Milan, is being eyed by Brazilian side Flamengo in a potential surprise swoop.
The 25-year-old is wanted by the Brazilian side for the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer, meaning that he would formally depart Chelsea at the beginning of June.
If the Blues were hopeful that such a deal might bring them a quick cash injection, they are set to be disappointed. Although Flamengo are formulating a deal that would see them ultimately sign Joao Felix permanently, the initial bid is likely to come in the form of a loan deal.
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