Enzo Fernandez's Agent Confirms He's Exploring Chelsea Exit

Enzo Fernandez's representative has confirmed the Chelsea midfielder is weighing a potential departure this summer, adding fresh uncertainty to his future at Stamford Bridge. Agent Javier Pastore addressed the situation in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, stopping short of confirming any concrete destination. "Today the player is calmly thinking about the national team, he is playing in a World Cup, he is very close to reaching the round of 16," said Pastore. "He is only thinking about that and we are looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea, but there is nothing firm or confirmed at any club." Chelsea currently expects Fernandez to report for preseason training as scheduled following Argentina's World Cup run, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. The club had previously signaled it would demand a fee near $160 million should the 25-year-old push for an exit, ESPN reported May 29. Fernandez remains under contract through 2032. Chelsea values him highly, given his production of 19 goals and 17 assists across 117 Premier League appearances since arriving from Benfica for $142 million in February 2023. The midfielder was benched for two matches last season after telling reporters during the March international break that he "really likes Madrid," a remark Pastore criticized at the time. Asked about that comment, Pastore pointed to personal ties rather than professional intent. "He has many friends there, and he is very close friends with Julian Alvarez, and in the end, whenever they can spend time together, they are together there," said Pastore. "And I also live in Madrid. Every time he travelled, he travelled to see me and to sort out work-related matters, but besides that, who doesn't like Madrid? I never even played in Madrid. I even live there." The comments arrived one day after Xabi Alonso officially began his tenure as Chelsea manager. Sources also told ESPN the club is preparing an improved bid for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka after an earlier $10.7 million offer was rejected.