MX23RW : Monday, January 20 22:58:17| >> :60:2321:2321:

Barcelona, Inter Milan 'set to rival' Real Madrid for Chelsea midfielder

Two European giants 'to rival' Real Madrid for Chelsea midfielder
© Imago
Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly set to rival Real Madrid in the transfer market for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid-linked Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.

Fernandez has made 75 competitive appearances since joining Chelsea in a £106.8m transfer from Benfica in January 2023.

The 23-year-old has been a regular starter for the majority of his Chelsea career, but he has recently lost his place in the side to Belgium international Romeo Lavia.

As a result, Fernandez has had to settle for substitute appearances in Chelsea's last three matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United.

Having lost his spot in the lineup, the Argentine has been linked with a potential move away from Chelsea amid interest from Real Madrid.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez in October 2024.© Imago

Barcelona, Inter enter Fernandez race

A recent report claimed that Real Madrid could use Aurelien Tchouameni in a potential swap deal for Chelsea's Fernandez.

However, if Real Madrid decide to step up their interest, they could face competition from two other European giants.

According to The Sun, Barcelona and Inter are both showing an interest in the 2022 World Cup winner.

The report claims that Barcelona and Inter are keeping a close eye on Fernandez's situation at Stamford Bridge as they weigh up whether to make a move in 2025.

Fernandez is said to be keen to fight for his place in Enzo Maresca's side, but he is reluctant to settle for a bench role for a considerable period.

As a result, the Argentina international may consider his Chelsea future if he fails to win back his place in the Chelsea midfield.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick on August 27, 2024© Imago

Why are Barcelona and Inter interested in Fernandez?

On the face of it, Barcelona have no immediate need to sign Fernandez due to their array of top-quality midfield options.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick can currently call upon the likes of Gavi, Marc Casado, Pedri and Frenkie De Jong at his disposal.

However, the Blaugrana may be keen to add further strength in depth, having seen Pedri, Gavi and de Jong all struggle with injury in the past year.

De Jong also continues to be linked with a move away, especially as he now has less than two years remaining on his Barcelona contract.

As for Inter, they also have a number of central midfield options in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Hakan Calhanoglu.

However, with Mkhitaryan, Zielinski and Calhanoglu all in their thirties, Inter may view Fernandez as a candidate to add some youthfulness to their engine room.

ID:557352:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6009:
Written by
Ben Sully

Enzo Fernandez future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Enzo Fernandez

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on August 31, 2024
Read Next:
"He is training hard" - Flick addresses Araujo, Garcia injury situations
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool21155150203050
2Arsenal22128243212244
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest22135433221144
4Chelsea22117444271740
5Manchester CityMan City22115644291538
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle22115638261238
7Bournemouth22107536261037
8Aston Villa2210663334-136
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2281043530534
10Fulham228953430433
11Brentford2284104039128
12Crystal Palace226972528-327
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2275102732-526
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2275102743-1626
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs22731245351024
16Everton214891828-1020
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2244143251-1916
18Ipswich TownIpswich2237122043-2316
19Leicester CityLeicester2235142348-2514
20Southampton2213181550-356


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!