Enzo Fernandez has told Chelsea he wants to leave the club, but the Blues will demand £120million before they sanction his exit.
The Argentine has made noise about leaving throughout the season, which saw him dropped by former boss Liam Rosenior, and now he's held talks with the club to make it clear he wants to seek pastures new.
Fernandez moved to Chelsea after the last World Cup, following his country's success in Qatar. The west Londoners forked out more than £100m to sign him from Benfica, but they would still stand to make a profit if their asking price is met.
The most talked up landing spot for the Argentine midfielder is Real Madrid and Javier Pastore, Fernandez's agent, is exploring potential destinations, with his preferred option being the Spanish capital, reports the BBC.
Chelsea will welcome new boss Xabi Alonso for pre-season and Fernandez does remain part of the club's plans for next season - and only an offer that meets their valuation would change that. Fernandez has just finished runner-up in Chelsea's player of the season award after scoring 15 times and providing a further seven assists.
Back in March Fernandez said: "I’d like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires. Players live where they want. I’d live in Madrid. I get by in English, but I’d be more comfortable in Spanish."
Real are known to be unwilling to pay Chelsea's asking price unless their financial situation changes. They have also been linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri and much may depend on the wants to new boss Jose Mourinho, who will return for a second spell in the dugout at the Bernabeu.
Chelsea have been able to boast one of the best midfields in the Premier League with Fernandez playing alongside Moises Caicedo, another player who cost north of £100m. They have both been part of the mammoth financial investment made by the current ownership.
It hasn't taken the club closer to the title however and senior figures at Stamford Bridge accept they will need to invest in more Premier League-ready talent. Chelsea finished the campaign poorly which saw them end up 10th and without a trophy. That came after a season of promise that saw them win the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup.
