Real Madrid have taken the extraordinary step of publicly denying any intention of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after weeks of speculation linking the Argentine with a move to the Bernabeu.
The Spanish giants issued an unusually forceful statement rejecting reports they are preparing a £120million move for the 25-year-old, insisting they have not held talks with either the player or Chelsea and have no plans to pursue a transfer.
The intervention comes after fresh comments from Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, reignited speculation by suggesting his client is considering his future at Stamford Bridge while praising the prospect of joining Real Madrid.
Despite persistent reports linking Fernandez with the LaLiga giants, Real insisted the rumours were entirely unfounded.
"In response to the reports and comments that have appeared in recent days regarding Real Madrid C.F.'s alleged interest in signing Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not undertaken any action whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the player," the statement read.
"Furthermore, it has no intention of pursuing such a transfer.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, an outstanding footballer whose career and quality are well known, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it enjoys an excellent institutional relationship."
Real Madrid have taken the extraordinary step of publicly denying any intention of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after weeks of speculation linking the Argentine with a move to the Bernabeu
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The club also stressed it was speaking out to protect its relationship with Chelsea and to end what it described as inaccurate reporting.
It continued: "Precisely because of the respect it has for an institution such as Chelsea FC, and in keeping with the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid's conduct, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these unfounded speculations, which bear no relation to reality.
"Real Madrid regrets that, despite the facts being clear and the club having taken no action whatsoever, reports that do not reflect reality continue to be circulated.
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| GETTY"These reports serve only to create confusion among supporters and unnecessarily harm the clubs and individuals involved."
The statement follows weeks of rumours suggesting Fernandez could be set for a move to the Spanish capital.
Chelsea, however, have consistently maintained that the World Cup winner is not for sale unless a club meets their £120m valuation.
Fernandez remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032 after joining from Benfica in a £106.8m deal and continues to be viewed as a key figure within the squad.
While there have been discussions over an improved contract, no agreement has yet been reached.
Fernandez has previously admitted he would like to live in Madrid one day, comments that reportedly caused frustration inside Chelsea and resulted in internal disciplinary action last season.
Enzo Fernandez is currently focused on retaining the World Cup with Argentina
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Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City have also been linked with the Argentina international in recent months, although there has been no formal approach from any club.
Fernandez is currently focused on the World Cup with Argentina, who face Cape Verde as they continue their bid for another international title.
Real's decision to publicly address transfer speculation is becoming an increasingly rare feature of their summer business.
Earlier in the window, the club also confirmed it had submitted a €150million (£130m) offer for Julian Alvarez before revealing Atletico Madrid had rejected the proposal.
Jose Mourinho's side have already strengthened their squad by signing Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate as they prepare for the new campaign.