Real Madrid have released a statement claiming they have ‘no intention’ of signing Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez.
The midfielder, who is on World Cup duty with Argentina, has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu.
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The 25-year-old had previously hinted that he would be open to a move to the Spanish capital.
In April, Fernandez was sanctioned by former Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior after flirting with the idea of a summer switch.
But now it appears that any hope of a move to the 15-time European Cup winners is off the table.
What did Real Madrid say about the Fernandez links?
A statement released on Friday morning read: “In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid CF in the player Enzo Fernández, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
“Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.
“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the lack of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans and unnecessarily harming the entities and people involved.”
It is not the first time that Real Madrid have had to release a statement downplaying speculation over a player from another club.
Earlier this month, the club were forced to clarify their stance on Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.
Madrid were also embroiled in a public spat with neighbours Atletico after tabling a €150million for striker Julian Alvarez.
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Returning Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been active in the transfer market in the hope of returning the club to the top of world football.
Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva have all swapped the Premier League for the Bernabeu.
Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries is expected to join the trio following his World Cup exit with the Netherlands.
However, Fernandez is unlikely to be following suit as he now prepares for a new era at Stamford Bridge under Xabi Alonso.
The midfielder is currently focused on securing back-to-back World Cups with Argentina.
He is expected to line up for La Albiceleste in their round-of-32 clash against Cape Verde in Miami on Friday night.
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Argentina swept through the group stage with three straight wins against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Victory against Cape Verde will see Fernandez and co face Egypt or Australia in the last 16.
