Enzo Fernandes is reportedly ready to take up the nuclear option to secure his dream move to Real Madrid, with the Argentine midfielder set to submit a formal transfer request to the Chelsea structure.
According to Spanish TV show El Chiringuito (as reported by Goal), the 25-year-old has decided to end the innuendo and instead take a “firm stance” to facilitate his exit from Stamford Bridge.
The report suggests Fernandes considers a move to the Santiago Bernabéu a top priority and intends to reach out to Chelsea to secure a deal this summer.
Enzo Fernandes punished by Chelsea for comments made during international break
Relations between Fernandes and Chelsea deteriorated significantly after the March international break.
The midfielder was handed a two-game internal suspension by manager Liam Rosenior for “crossing the line” during a series of public comments.
During these interactions, Fernández expressed a desire to live in Madrid, citing the language and culture as a perfect fit for his family.
These comments came on the heels of Chelsea’s humiliating 8-2 aggregate defeat in the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, which Rosenior deemed “unfortunate”.
As a result, the Argentine was left out of the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and will also miss this weekend’s crucial Premier League match against Manchester City.
Is Enzo Fernandes’ time at Chelsea coming to an end?
Fernandes has been a central figure in Chelsea’s project since arriving from Benfica in January 2023 for a UK-record £106.8m.
In the current 2025/26 season, he has played in 46 games and recorded 12 goals and 6 assists, often wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Reece James.
However, despite his personal qualities, the midfielder reportedly became disillusioned after failing to find consistent success at Chelsea.
El Chiringuito explains that the main hurdle remains Chelsea’s staggering valuation, which could reach €150m (about £131m).
Real Madrid are reportedly aware of Chelsea’s firm stance on backing a contract until 2032 and may deliberately delay a formal bid until the last week of August in order to put pressure on the London club to lower their demands.
