Enzo Fernandez is as close to leaving Chelsea as he's ever been since joining from Benfica three years ago.
The 25-year-old is currently with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup in North America but his club future remains the hottest topic.
Fernandez has been flirting with the prospect of joining Real Madrid for most the year. He made comments suggesting he wants to move to Madrid while playing under former head coach Liam Rosenior which earned him a two-game ban.
However, despite Chelsea's strong stance, which includes demanding at least £120 million, it seems things are progressing quite quickly now the transfer window is open.
Enzo Fernandez agrees personal terms with Real Madrid
Los Blancos moved quickly to sign Marc Cucurella and have also recently completed the signing of Ibrahima Konate following his free agency from Liverpool.
And now it seems returning manager Jose Mourinho's attention has turned to bringing in a new midfielder with Fernandez top of his list.
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, the 36-time La Liga champions have reached an agreement over personal terms with Chelsea's number 8 which includes a contract until 2032.
Real Madrid are now expected to make the Blues opening offer but it remains unknown if they'll come in with the full £120 million Chelsea are demanding.
No smoke without fire
At times this year, it has seemed almost-impossible to imagine Fernandez leaving west London, simply because of how much Chelsea want for him. There aren't many clubs in the world who can afford to drop well over £100 million on one player.
However, with every passing day, it feels like the Argentine is getting closer and closer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Should this summer's window see the 25-year-old complete his dream move, incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who takes charge officially from July 1, will have his work cut out to find a suitable replacement.
The fact the Blues failed to qualify for European football after finishing 10th in the Premier League will make Alonso's task even harder. Not just from a financial perspective, but because it's rare the world's best players accept a move to a club not even competing in UEFA's lowest competition.
During his three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge, Fernandez, who was signed for a then-record £106.8 million fee, has scored 31 goals and registered 30 assists in 169 matches in all competitions.
The midfielder would depart Chelsea having lifted the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
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