Chelsea demand £120m for Fernandez as Man City and Real Madrid circle; Petit backs Camavinga swap

Enzo Fernandez's future at Chelsea remains uncertain as the midfield talent attracts attention from some of Europe's elite, with the Blues having placed a hefty £120m valuation on their Argentine star ahead of the summer window.

The 2025/26 campaign saw Fernandez elevate his game considerably, chipping in with ten goals and four assists across 36 Premier League outings. Yet despite his improved performances, Chelsea's preparation for a season without European football has left the door open for departures among the squad.

Manchester City have emerged as serious contenders for Fernandez's signature, with the prospect of reuniting him with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad. However, journalist Pete O'Rourke has suggested that City's pursuit of Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson—their stated priority—could complicate matters for the Blues.

"It would take a lot of money to get him out," O'Rourke explained. "Chelsea are looking for around £120million for Fernandez, they're looking to recoup a lot of the money that they spent on him when he was signed from Benfica."

While Maresca clearly admires the midfielder from their time working together at Stamford Bridge, the price tag appears steep for City's ambitions, particularly if they secure their primary target.

Real Madrid represent an intriguing alternative route, with club legend Emmanuel Petit proposing an unconventional solution: a swap deal involving Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman believes Camavinga's experience and trophy pedigree could prove invaluable at Chelsea, where youth dominates the squad.

"Why not?" Petit posed rhetorically. "Camavinga is still a very young player. He left Rennes for Madrid when he was eighteen years old and he has played for six or seven years for Real Madrid. He has won some big trophies too."

Petit acknowledged that judging Camavinga's recent form at the Bernabéu is complicated by Madrid's broader struggles, but maintained that his experience at the highest level would represent a significant asset in west London. "He's got experience," Petit added. "When you come from Real Madrid to Chelsea having won many trophies and played there for so many years and you play for the national team, you arrive at the club with experience that's probably missing at Chelsea."