Chelsea welcome rivals Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Blues have won just once in their last seven league games and find themselves on course to miss out on qualification for next season’s Champions League, while the Red Devils remain third in the top flight table but have won just one of their last four.
Liam Rosenior’s side were beaten 3-0 by title-chasing Manchester City last time out, leaving the Blues seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
In the meantime, it is emerging that Chelsea could be willing to allow one of their most important player to leave the club this summer.
According to CaughtOffside, the west London giants are considering accepting offers for midfielder Enzo Fernandez during the upcoming transfer window.
Fernandez was left out of the matchday squads for Chelsea’s last two games – against Port Vale and Man City – in the wake of comments he made suggesting that he would one day like to play for Real Madrid.
The Argentine has been arguably the Blues’ best player so far this term, though, and Rosenior’s side looked poor without him in midfield.
Fernandez could be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer (Photo: Mark Pain/Alamy)
It is claimed that Chelsea are anticipating interest in the Argentina international this summer and, while they would prefer to keep hold of the player, they are increasingly aware that he is unhappy at Stamford Bridge.
La Liga giants Real Madrid are said to have a real interest in the midfielder, who has made more than 160 appearances for his current club since joining from Benfica in 2023.
The Argentinian has scored 28 goals and providing 29 assists during his time in London, as well as captaining the Blues on numerous occasions.
While his contract is set to run until the end of the 2031/32 campaign, the report suggests that Real could realise their interest in the player this summer and Chelsea may not stand in his way, providing their price tag is met.
Fernandez himself is said to be keen to explore the idea of a move to the Spanish capital.