Chelsea Set to Hand Fernandez Lucrative New Deal Despite Recent Controversy

Chelsea find themselves in the awkward position of rewarding Enzo Fernandez with fresh terms, even after the midfielder's recent behaviour dragged the club's name through the mud.

The Argentine has been courting Real Madrid's attention, a situation that escalated during the most recent international window. Manager Liam Rosenior responded swiftly, announcing Fernandez would be axed from the squad for Chelsea's next two fixtures. BlueCo ownership backed the call entirely, viewing it as decisive management from their boss.

The punishment, however, comes with a caveat. Fernandez will continue to train with his teammates during his brief spell in exile, and there's no suggestion the club are stripping him of the vice-captaincy.

Fernandez's representative, Javier Pastore, wasted little time protesting the sanction as disproportionate. He also confirmed that Chelsea had recently sat down with his client to discuss an upgraded contract, though those negotiations stalled without agreement.

That breakdown in talks appears to be the real crux of the matter. Behind closed doors, Chelsea have privately conceded what Fernandez's camp has long argued: the midfielder is earning below what his talent commands. For a player who cost over £100 million from Benfica in 2023 and has blossomed into one of Europe's premier midfielders, the gap between his wages and his standing is difficult to justify.

Despite the recent headaches, Chelsea's hierarchy are resigned to caving in. A fresh deal on improved terms is coming, according to the latest reports. The club simply cannot stomach losing a player of Fernandez's calibre, particularly not to a rival of Real Madrid's stature.

Should Fernandez dig in his heels and demand an exit anyway, Chelsea would demand substantially more than the £100 million-plus they originally paid. They might even seek to recoup close to the £107 million Benfica received. But that scenario remains a last resort.

For now, Chelsea's preference is crystal clear: keep their star midfielder happy, swallow their pride, and write the cheque. Sometimes that's what it takes to hold onto your best players.