Chelsea ready to submit Enzo Fernandez swap deal offer

Chelsea are ready to include Enzo Fernandez in a swap deal bid for Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, according to a bombshell report in Spain.

Fernandez, 24, has been one of the Blues’ most important players since his arrival from Benfica for €121 million in January 2023, but he has been continuously linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past year.

Los Blancos are eager to sign a new central midfielder following the exit of Luka Modric on a Bosman deal in July and rumours speculate that Fernandez has been earmarked as a priority target by the Bernabeu hierarchy.

The likes of Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar) and Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) have also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but it’s widely reported that Xabi Alonso is keen to bring the Argentina international to the club next year.

Chelsea have been reluctant to sanction a sale due to Fernandez’s importance to head coach Enzo Maresca, although it appears they may be willing to permit an exit if they are able to land Bellingham in exchange.

That is according to Spanish publication Defensa Central, who sensationally claim that Chelsea are prepared to submit a swap deal bid involving Fernandez in 2026.

The report states that fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are also interested in signing Bellingham next year amid his immense form for Real Madrid.

Jude Bellingham to stay at Real Madrid

While Chelsea are reportedly ready to swap Fernandez for Bellingham, the England superstar isn’t considering a Real Madrid exit.

The 22-year-old remains extremely happy at the Bernabeu and he has no intention of leaving the club next year, despite significant transfer interest from the Premier League.

As a result, Chelsea will likely need to identify an alternative midfield target, with fellow England stars Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson believed to be on their transfer radar.

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