Real Madrid and Chelsea may be gearing up for a potential player exchange involving two key figures.
Although Chelsea’s preseason was turbulent following Enzo Maresca’s arrival, the team has started the season fairly strong. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, Chelsea is six points behind league leaders Manchester City.
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Several players, including Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Moises Caicedo, have adapted well to Maresca’s energetic system, forming a formidable midfield trio…Continue Reading
However, not all players are thriving under the new management, and some may be contemplating a transfer if things don’t improve.
Enzo Fernandez, 23, hasn’t been a prominent figure in Maresca’s plans and has seen his role diminish at Stamford Bridge.
Despite captaining the team prior to Reece James’ return against Liverpool on October 21, the 2022 World Cup winner’s game time has been limited this season.
Fernandez was benched in Chelsea’s last two league matches against Liverpool and Newcastle, though he did start in the Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle on October 30.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid is showing strong interest in the Argentine midfielder. The Spanish club is reportedly willing to offer £84 million or arrange a ‘swap deal’ involving Aurelien Tchouameni.
Tchouameni, 24, is also facing limited opportunities in Madrid, having been sidelined for the team’s recent matches against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.
Like Fernandez, he joined his current club for a substantial fee (£83 million including add-ons) but has struggled to meet high expectations.
Before moving to Madrid from Monaco, the French international was also linked with a Premier League move, expressing his interest in English football.
“I can watch Spanish games and English games,” he told CNN in 2022.
“It’s different to play in Spain, and it’s different to play in England, but at the end, for me, it’s just a matter of adaptation.”
“I’m an ambitious person,” he added.
In his 102 appearances for the 15-time European champions, he has struggled to consistently deliver standout performances, so a transfer might be beneficial for everyone involved.
That said, Carlo Ancelotti had high praise for the midfielder after a La Liga match against Real Betis in September.
“[Aurélien] Tchouaméni is a fantastic defensive midfielder,” he said.
“At a defensive level, he [is] irreplaceable, he helps our defence a lot.”
