Chelsea have responded to Enzo Fernandez’s suggestion that he wants to leave for Real Madrid, and they are ready to answer their transfer critics with a surprising decision.
Enzo Fernandez caught the headlines over the international break as he openly flirted with a move to Real Madrid in the summer.
The Argentine has reportedly been unsettled at Chelsea for some time, yet the manner in which he openly admitted that he would one day like to move to Madrid because it reminds him of Buenos Aires was still surprising.
Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea unimpressed and ready to sell
Enzo’s comments have not gone down well at Chelsea, with The Guardian reporting that the Blues are increasingly willing to sell him.
It claims: “Chelsea are unimpressed with Fernandez and some believe it would not be a disaster if he goes. It would have to be a big fee – and Spanish sources say Madrid are not about to pay £100m – but it is hard to see how Chelsea benefit from keeping someone no longer aligned with their vision.”
As well as Real Madrid, PSG have also been linked with a move for the World Cup-winning midfielder, which could open up the possibility of a switch to the French capital. A final decision, though, will not be rushed. Enzo remains under contract until 2032 and could even be willing to sign a new deal at improved terms.
However, head coach Liam Rosenior has officially confirmed that Enzo has been sanctioned by the club as a result of his comments.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup clash against Port Vale on Saturday, Rosenior confirmed: “I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday. A line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.
“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful. In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision.
“The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.”
Rosenior added: “It’s not ideal. A lot of this stems from a difficult 10 days. I’ll go back to the first game against PSG, it all fell apart in 15 minutes and there was a huge emotional dump that led into the next three games.
“The comments from Enzo, and Cucu’s interview, stems from that. It stems from a good place where they want the club to succeed.”
Chelsea ready to ditch youth signing policy
Chelsea could also be about to step away from their youth-driven recruitment model, which has garnered a good deal of criticism in recent weeks.
The Blues have struggled to turn around a poor run of form and have been widely criticised for their lack of experience and proven Premier League talent, despite an enormous transfer spend in recent weeks.
More renowned names could soon be arriving at Stamford Bridge, according to the report, which indicates the arrival of a clutch of young talent was simply the first phase of this project.
“There are suggestions of a shift in recruitment this summer; that part of the focus on youth stemmed from a desire to reset after money wasted on older players,” The Guardian says.
“Sources insist there is no definitive policy around signing only raw talent. Joao Pedro was an established Premier League player when he joined from Brighton last summer. Chelsea also considered a top international defender in January.”
Reece James, it is argued, would not have signed his new contract with the club without assurances that “impressed” him prior to the transfer window. This, it is claimed, suggests that other key figures like Cole Palmer are more settled and that the Blues’ signing plans are solid.
Chelsea supporters have been crying out for some more established names to join the club in recent months, and ahead of the summer, it appears they may just get their wish.
Related stories:
Enzo, Cucurella and Palmer want out – Chelsea are officially in crisis
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Fernandez fuels Real Madrid speculation with another new interview
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