Real Madrid’s public denial of interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández could potentially scupper Manchester United’s plans to sign another primary midfield target.
It has been a frustrating transfer window to date for Manchester United, with three midfield targets moving to other Premier League clubs for astronomical money.
United can’t spend the entire transfer window complaining about there being no value in the market because they will get left behind otherwise.
One of the biggest names linked to United is Aurelien Tchouameni, but Real Madrid have now thrown a spanner in the works.
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Real Madrid’s dismissal of Enzo Fernandez claims may be a blow for Man Utd
It is understood that Jose Mourinho has made Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández one of his top targets this summer, but The Athletic reported last week that club sources were playing down the likelihood of the move happening.
On Friday morning, Real Madrid released a statement on the matter. It is the second time this summer that the Spanish giants have made their transfer intentions clear with a public statement, after doing similar for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.
Real Madrid’s statement read: “In light of the information and statements that have emerged in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid C. F. in the player Enzo Fernández, the club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernández, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognized, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
“Precisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid’s actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.
“Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the absence of any action by the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and only serves to create confusion among fans and unnecessarily harm the entities and individuals involved.”
This could mean that Tchouameni stays at Real Madrid as the French midfielder isn’t trying to force his way out of the club. If anything, it sounds like Los Blancos would consider cashing in if it helped them sign Mourinho’s targets.
It’s early days in the Tchouameni saga. The same from Real Madrid on Fernandez could be just a face-saving exercise to repair relations with Chelsea.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Real Madrid deny reports regarding Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez
- Aurelien Tchouameni could stay at Real Madrid if they are not signing Fernandez
- Manchester United will be paying close attention to movement at Real Madrid
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Enzo Fernandez’ agent confirms Real Madrid interest
On the same day as Real Madrid’s official statement on Fernandez, the player’s agent, Javier Pastore, spoke to AS.
Pastore said that Real Madrid likes Fernandez, which means there’s still a chance a deal could develop.
“Yeah, Real Madrid’s been rumoured. Real Madrid likes the best players, and Enzo has been one of the best players this year,” Pastore said.
“He’s a player Real Madrid likes, and he likes Real Madrid, just like he likes other clubs that are out there. Now we have to wait a little bit.”
The agent also criticised Chelsea, saying: “Chelsea are known for snagging a lot of young talent and tossing them into the Premier League, just like they did with Enzo.
“Everyone’s got their own journey and path. He’s done really well at Chelsea. Won titles in three and a half years. He’s happy as a clam, but then comes that point where you gotta follow the player’s lead, and if he’s asking for stuff the club can’t deliver, well, then you gotta find some solutions. We’re looking for them now, but I’ve also been trying to put a stop to everything right now because there’s so much going on with the World Cup.
“Enzo needs to enjoy it, but a player’s head is everywhere. On social media and with all the streaming out there, they drop so much news or similar stuff, which isn’t for him to be hearing. At this moment, I prefer he’s concentrated on trying to win another World Cup. There will be time to talk later.”
United will be paying close attention to Real Madrid’s movement in the transfer market.
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