It’s expected that Real Madrid will seek to sign a midfielder next summer, given that they have not replaced Toni Kroos or Luka Modric since their exits in 2024 and 2025 respectively. They have been linked with several players in recent months, and one of those under consideration is Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

Real Madrid have been interested in Fernandez since his Benfica days, prior to his then-Premier League record transfer move to Stamford Bridge. They are interested in making a move in 2026, although it has been revealed by Pete O’Rourke (via CaughtOffside) that Chelsea are very unlikely to sell.

“It seems he’s happy and content with life at Chelsea and Chelsea are happy with Enzo Fernandez who has been playing in a bit more of an attacking role under Enzo Maresca. He’s really impressed in that role as well. So given how well, he’s performed for Chelsea with such a long contract in place, I could not imagine that Chelsea would look to sell him unless somebody was able to make an offer well in excess of what Chelsea paid for him.

“Although Real Madrid do seem like they are interested, it seems a difficult deal to do.”

Real Madrid have already identified alternative targets

Fernandez would likely cost well in excess of €100m, and given his age, it would be a major surprise if Real Madrid were willing to pay even close to this figure. Furthermore, they have already identified two leading transfer targets for next summer: Adam Wharton, who would be the “big money signing”, and Chema Andres, who could be brought back to the Santiago Bernabeu for as little as €10m.

It remains to be seen who Real Madrid go for next summer, but it would certainly be a surprise if it was Fernandez over the likes of Wharton and Chema.