Real Madrid have sensationally slammed the door shut on any chance Enzo Fernandez had of joining them this summer.
Los Blancos has been mentioned alongside Fernandez for months with the players' own comments adding fuel to the fire.
His agent also hasn't shut up. Javier Pastore, Fernandez's representative, recently gave an interview to the Spanish media revealing the La Liga giants are among the clubs working to sign his star client.
Madrid's version of the ongoing saga is a very different one, though...
Real Madrid release unprecedented Enzo Fernandez statement
In light of Pastore's latest comments, Real Madrid, via their official website, have released their own statement.
"In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid CF in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation," the 36-time Spanish champions said.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
"Precisely because of the respect that an entity like Chelsea FC deserves and because of the principles of institutional loyalty that have always governed the actions of Real Madrid, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny speculations that are unfounded and do not correspond to reality.
"Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the lack of any action on the part of the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and that only contributes to generating confusion among fans and unnecessarily harming the entities and people involved."
This is really not a good look for Fernandez, nor his agent.
What now?
It's no secret. Chelsea want at least £120 million for the Argentine, and there are very few clubs around the world who can afford that kind of deal.
Saudi Arabia is pretty much out of the question because of Fernandez's desire to stay in Europe and compete for the biggest honours.
Paris Saint-Germain are a possibility, but midfield is the one area of the pitch the back-to-back UEFA Champions League winners don't need to improve.
So that really just leaves Manchester City. Enzo Maresca has just taken charge so there could be some intrigue but as things stand, the Citizens are working on other targets.
Consequently, while it has seemed at times that the Argentine's future lies away from Stamford Bridge, it now wouldn't be surprising to see him remain part of Xabi Alonso's squad next season.
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