Real Madrid moved to distance themselves from the Enzo Fernandez saga on Wednesday, publishing an official statement on their website saying the club has not made any effort, direct or indirect, to sign the Chelsea midfielder and has no intention of doing so. The statement came amid persistent reports in Spain claiming a verbal agreement had already been struck between Fernandez and the Bernabeu club. Despite the denial, the situation is far from resolved.
Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore confirmed to Marca that the player is looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea following the club's failure to qualify for Europe last season. Pastore was measured, saying nothing is firm or confirmed with any club, but stopped well short of ruling a move out. Reports in Spain claim Real Madrid have offered Chelsea makeweights including Eduardo Camavinga to lower the €140 million asking price. Chelsea have also been linked with Sunderland's Granit Xhaka as incoming cover, which many observers interpret as the club quietly preparing for Fernandez's departure.