Chelsea Ready New Enzo Fernandez Contract Amid Real Madrid Transfer Links and Agent Dispute
Ben McAleer
Chelsea are prepared to offer wantaway midfielder Enzo Fernandez a new contract in order to end speculation over a potential summer transfer, reports TEAMtalk.
The Argentine has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in recent weeks, and recently fuelled speculation over a switch to the Bernabeu by admitting that he’d like to one day live in Madrid.
Fernandez hit with two-game ban
Fernandez’s comments not only heightened rumours that he’d push for a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, but he’s been hit with a two-game ban by the club, meaning he won’t play any part in Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Port Vale or next weekend’s monster Premier League clash with Manchester City.
“I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. As a football club, with me as part of that process, we've made a decision. He won't be available for tomorrow's games, and he won't be available for Manchester City next Sunday,” Blues boss Liam Rosenior confirmed in his pre-Port Vale press conference in the week.
Even so, Chelsea are still prepared to reward Fernandez for his upturn in form in recent months with a new contract.
Contract talks stalled
The Blues opened talks with the midfielder last month over fresh terms, though talks have since stalled.
Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, has since confirmed that discussions took place but that there were disagreements over financial terms.
“There have been talks about renewing his contract, yes. We started discussing but we couldn’t reach an agreement,” Pastore told the Athletic.
“As Enzo’s contract still has six years to run, we decided not to renew it because the terms weren’t right for us or for the player.
“Given what Enzo is capable of today, he deserves much more than he’s currently earning.”
Fernandez's agent hits out at Chelsea
Pastore, meanwhile, also criticised Chelsea and felt his two-game ban was ‘completely unfair’ on the Blues vice-captain.
“The punishment is completely unfair,” Fernandez’s agent continued. “These are crucial matches and Enzo is one of the team’s most important players.
“He didn’t understand the situation, but accepted it professionally. We don’t agree with the decision because he never mentioned any club or said he wants to leave Chelsea - quite the opposite.”
Real Madrid are yet to firm up their rumoured interest in the former Benfica man, while PSG and Bayern Munich are also reportedly keen on the Chelsea star.
The Blues are looking to return to winning ways against Port Vale this weekend having lost their last four matches, including a disappointing 8-2 aggregate loss to French giants PSG in the Champions League.
