Arsenal Join City and Madrid in Chase for Chelsea's Fernandez

Arsenal have thrown their hat into the ring for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, joining Manchester City and Real Madrid in the hunt for the Argentine midfielder this summer.

Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge as a British transfer record signing in February 2023 when Chelsea forked out £107million to Benfica. That fee now ranks among the pricier deals in the Premier League's recent history, with only the likes of Moises Caicedo, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak commanding bigger moves.

The 25-year-old endured a difficult transition to English football but has since become integral to Chelsea's plans. Despite the club's underwhelming season—finishing 10th in the league and suffering FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City—Fernandez delivered on a personal level, chipping in with 15 goals and seven assists across 54 appearances.

The midfielder is now determined to move on, unwilling to waste further years waiting for Chelsea to mount a genuine title challenge. His desire to depart has only strengthened following the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca, with whom he had developed a strong working relationship.

Fernandez has already instructed his representatives to canvas interested parties, despite new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso viewing him as crucial to the club's rebuild.

Arsenal are monitoring developments and could potentially raid their London neighbours, though the report suggests they're not viewing Fernandez as their main priority. Instead, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali tops Mikel Arteta's midfield wishlist. The Gunners made initial contact with Tonali's camp in January and continue to track the Italian international, who is available for around €100m (£87m) and is understood to be receptive to a move away from St James' Park, with both Arsenal and Manchester United circling.

Realistically, however, Real Madrid and City appear better positioned to land Fernandez. Madrid's hierarchy—including Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez—have identified an elite midfielder as essential business, with City's grip on Rodri potentially freeing up resources for an alternative target. Fernandez himself has previously expressed a preference for the Spanish capital, even comparing it favourably to his native Buenos Aires during the international break in March.

Chelsea are reluctant to absorb a significant loss on their investment and have slapped a €120m (£104m) price tag on the midfielder—marginally less than their original outlay.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed this week that Maresca remains keen on Fernandez but downplayed suggestions that City have already initiated formal negotiations. Romano indicated that Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson remains City's primary target, with Fernandez potentially emerging as a backup option should that deal fall through.