Chelsea face Enzo Fernandez DILEMMA as first offer prepared

Atletico Madrid are set to submit a player-plus-cash swap deal bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to reports in Spain.

Fernandez, 24, has been heavily linked with both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in recent weeks, with several of his Argentina team-mates even attempting to convince him to join them at the Wanda Metropolitano while on international duty in March.

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Reports have indicated that Fernandez is set to snub interest from Atletico Madrid in order to remain at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea’s resolve is due to be tested by Diego Simeone’s side, according to Fichajes.

The Spanish publication claim that Atleti are preparing to submit an offer of €30 million plus Pablo Barrios as they look to sign the Blues midfielder.

Barrios has reportedly emerged as a key transfer target for Chelsea in recent months, so the prospect of landing the Spaniard, and a transfer fee, in exchange for Fernandez may appeal to the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

However, Fernandez has been a mainstay in Enzo Maresca’s preferred midfield pivot so far this season and he has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 35 appearances across all competitions since the beginning of 2024-25.

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Chelsea to keep Enzo Fernandez

Despite reports of interest from La Liga, TBR Football have claimed that Chelsea currently have no plans to sell Fernandez and they have not held talks over a possible summer exit.

The 24-year-old has been a key player in west London since his arrival from SL Benfica in January 2023, while he has worn the captain’s armband on multiple occasions so far this season amid Reece James’ injury issues.

Furthermore, the Argentina international still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €74.2m – the third highest of any player in the Chelsea squad.