Chelsea responded to Real Madrid's courting of Enzo Fernández (25), the "midfield linchpin," with a bold "price tag."
British outlet CaughtOffside, citing Spain's Mundo Deportivo on the 6th (Korea time), reported that Chelsea set a transfer fee of at least 100 million euros (about 173.2 billion won) for Fernández.
According to the article, Chelsea has set 100 million euros as the minimum guideline for Fernández's price, and it believes that for actual negotiations to succeed an amount approaching 120 million euros (about 207.7 billion won) would need to be offered.
This is ultimately interpreted as Chelsea's intent to hold to the value level it paid when signing Fernández in January 2023—107 million euros (about 185.2 billion won)—to the end.
Chelsea wants Vinícius Júnior (26), and Real Madrid wants to bring in Fernández, the midfield linchpin. A swap deal is possible, but both are determined not to give up their key assets.
In reality, Chelsea has no intention of letting Fernández go to Real. Fernández is evaluated as an irreplaceable asset for Chelsea's midfield commander role in terms of passing range and leadership. The club sees Fernández not as a sale asset but as a cornerstone of its future project.
Chelsea has Fernández tied to a long-term contract through 2032. For that reason, Chelsea has no need to hurry. Real also wants to add new vitality to its midfield, but does not want to give up Vinícius.
Local sources said, "The range of 100 million to 120 million euros set by Chelsea is not the end of negotiations but only a starting point," and added, "Unless the situation changes dramatically, Chelsea will not sell Fernández for less than the amount they expended."
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