Premier League star on Real Madrid’s summer wishlist

February 4, 2026 Oliver Obel

Real Madrid’s transfer planning for the summer is already taking shape, with Spanish reports linking the club to another high-cost midfield signing.

According to Fichajes, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is under serious consideration, with the outlet claiming Madrid would be willing to spend around £120 million to secure the Argentina international. The report said the club’s “obsession is growing”, describing Fernandez as a player who “represents the level Real Madrid aspires to if they want to dominate La Liga and Europe again”.

Fichajes also claimed the 2022 World Cup winner “wants to wear white” and has grown frustrated by Chelsea’s inability to consistently challenge for major honours under their current ownership.

A long-planned midfield transition

Madrid’s interest comes after a period of gradual change in the centre of the pitch. Luka Modric left the club last summer when his contract expired, later signing for AC Milan at the age of 40. While his role had reduced, his departure marked the end of an era and left questions about control and experience in midfield.

Earlier reporting from AS indicated that the club had prepared for Modric’s exit by building around Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler. Even so, AS noted that Madrid still intended to “invest heavily” in midfield, suggesting the internal options were never viewed as the complete solution.

Spending with intent, not volume

That stance is notable given Madrid’s recent activity in the market. The club spent close to £93 million last summer on Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, before paying around £10 million in June to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold in early so he could feature in the Club World Cup, ahead of his free transfer from Liverpool.

Teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono followed in August in a deal worth roughly £40 million from River Plate. After that, the January window was quiet in transfer terms, with attention instead focused on internal developments, including the departure of Xabi Alonso and the promotion of Alvaro Arbeloa.

Chelsea’s stance and Fernandez’s role

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for £106.8 million, signing a nine-and-a-half-year contract. Although his early months in England were uneven, the 25-year-old has since established himself as a central figure in midfield, forming an effective partnership with Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea, now under Liam Rosenior, have reached the Champions League round of 16 and sit fifth in the Premier League — a position that would currently be enough to secure qualification through UEFA’s coefficient system.

There is no indication Chelsea are actively looking to sell, but the reports underline Madrid’s readiness to act decisively if they believe the right player can elevate the team again at the highest level.

Sources: AS, Fichajes