Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Chelsea midfield mainstay Enzo Fernandez.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Real Madrid are keen on acquiring the services of Enzo Fernandez, and they have intensified their efforts to sign the Chelsea midfielder. However, they won’t find it easy to convince the London club to part ways with one of their best players.

Fernandez made a name for himself while playing for Benfica as well as the Argentine national team. On the back of his sensational rise, Chelsea forked out over £100 million to acquire his services at the start of 2023.

The 24-year-old has only gone from strength to strength since joining the London club. Not only has he established himself as one of their mainstays, but he is also widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.

While he prefers playing as a central midfielder, Fernandez is equally effective in an advanced as well as a defensive role. He has been used in a more attacking role under Enzo Maresca, and the Argentine international has certainly thrived in that.

Los Blancos pushing hard for Fernandez

His consistent performances for club and country have resulted in a lot of interest from across Europe. Real Madrid are one of the clubs that are keen on signing the 24-year-old. The Spanish giants were interested in him before he made the move to Chelsea.

They have continued to monitor his progress over the years and are now ready to step up their pursuit. Xabi Alonso seeks more quality in the centre of the park. He wants someone who can help him have more control in the centre of the park.

Fernandez can surely help their cause, but securing his services won’t be easy. The 24-year-old’s contract at Chelsea runs until the summer of 2032, and given his importance in the team, they are unlikely to let him leave anytime soon.

O’Rourke’s take on Fernandez’s future

While speaking about Madrid’s pursuit of Fernandez, O’Rourke said: “Real Madrid are long-term admirers of Enzo Fernandez.

“They were interested before he did make that move to Chelsea and we know with Real Madrid being constantly linked with players, [it] can maybe turn a player’s head or unsettle them as well.

“I’m sure Real Madrid will continue to keep tabs on Enzo Fernandez. A lot will depend on the player and what he wants to do.

“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.”

With Real Madrid lurking, Fernandez could be tempted to make a move to the Spanish club. While the player is happy at Stamford Bridge, an opportunity to join Los Blancos could be too big to turn down.

Chelsea have no intentions of letting him leave unless an interested club is willing to fork out well in excess of £100 million. The London club’s stance is quite clear, and a lot will depend on the player’s desire, given his long-term deal in the Premier League. While Los Blancos remain keen on his signature, securing Fernandez’s signature could prove very difficult.