BREAKING NEWS: Real Madrid Eyeing Enzo Fernández as Chelsea Considers Selling, Eyes Dário Essugo as Replacement

Real Madrid could be on the brink of securing a significant midfield reinforcement, as reports suggest Chelsea is open to offloading Enzo Fernández.
The Argentine midfielder, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for a club-record fee of €121 million in January 2023, has experienced an inconsistent spell in London.
With Chelsea undergoing a squad overhaul, they are reportedly willing to part ways with Enzo if a suitable offer arrives, with Real Madrid closely monitoring the situation.
Chelsea Identifies Dário Essugo as a Potential Successor
As Chelsea considers selling Enzo Fernández, they have already begun searching for a replacement. One of their primary targets is Sporting CP’s promising young midfielder, Dário Essugo.
Despite enduring some ups and downs, including suspensions during his loan stint at UD Las Palmas, the 19-year-old remains one of Europe’s most highly-rated young midfield prospects.
Chelsea appears prepared to pay around €22 million to secure Essugo’s signature, potentially loaning him out next season to continue his development.
Interestingly, Real Madrid had previously shown interest in the Portuguese youngster but decided against meeting Sporting’s valuation.
Now, Chelsea is keen to capitalize on the opportunity, signaling their willingness to move forward with an Enzo Fernández exit.
Real Madrid Weighing Up a Move for Enzo Fernández
With Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos approaching the final stages of their illustrious careers, Real Madrid has been actively seeking midfield reinforcements.
While the club already boasts a strong core in Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Fede Valverde, adding Enzo Fernández could further enhance their squad’s depth and quality.
Enzo’s ability to dictate play, his defensive contributions, and his progressive passing could provide another tactical option for Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Chelsea is expected to demand at least €70 million for the Argentine midfielder, making negotiations potentially challenging.
Since his high-profile move from Benfica, Enzo has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League.
Although he has shown glimpses of brilliance, his performances have not consistently justified his hefty price tag.
A move to Real Madrid could provide him with a fresh start in a team that emphasizes technical midfielders.
Will Real Madrid Make a Move?
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is known for making strategic moves in the transfer market, but the club remains cautious about its spending.
While Enzo Fernández fits the profile of a long-term midfield reinforcement, Madrid may hesitate to meet Chelsea’s asking price, especially with other priorities in mind.
If the Spanish giants proceed with a deal, Enzo would join an already formidable midfield, making Madrid an even stronger force in European football.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s focus would shift to restructuring their midfield, with Essugo potentially stepping in to fill the void left by the Argentine’s departure.
Ultimately, whether Real Madrid secures Enzo Fernández or not, Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate suggests they are serious about reshaping their squad.
With Essugo on their radar, the Blues appear prepared for a transition in midfield, signaling a new chapter at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Enzo Fernández from Chelsea to bolster their midfield. Fernández, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a British-record fee of £106.8 million, has had a mixed tenure at Stamford Bridge. Recent reports suggest that Chelsea may be open to offers for the Argentine midfielder, with Real Madrid expressing renewed interest.
In anticipation of a potential midfield reshuffle, Chelsea has identified Dário Essugo of Sporting CP as a prospective replacement for Fernández. Essugo, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder, has been on loan at UD Las Palmas, where he made 17 appearances and scored one goal in La Liga. Negotiations between Chelsea and Sporting CP are reportedly at an advanced stage, with a transfer fee in the region of €22 million being discussed.
Additionally, Chelsea has secured the signing of 17-year-old Portuguese winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon for approximately £40 million. Quenda will remain at Sporting for one more year before joining Chelsea for the 2026-2027 season.
These developments indicate a strategic shift in Chelsea’s midfield composition, potentially paving the way for Fernández’s departure and the integration of emerging talents like Essugo. Real Madrid’s interest in Fernández aligns with their objective to reinforce their midfield, especially with veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos nearing the twilight of their careers.