Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of publicly disavowing transfer speculation around Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina international, who is currently in action for his country at the World Cup, has repeatedly been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and he and his representatives had not exactly gone out of their way to distance themselves from the rumours.
Chelsea handed Fernandez a two-game suspension by Chelsea after speaking about his desire to move to the city of Madrid while on international duty.
Chelsea have been consistent in their stance that Fernandez is not for sale,.
BBC Sport write that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy do not see their relationship with the playmaker as being irreparable.
In response to the speculation, Real Madrid wrote on their official club website: "In light of the information and statements that have emerged in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid C. F. in the player Enzo Fernandez, the club wishes to state that it has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognized, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
"Precisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madrid's actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.
"Real Madrid regrets that, despite the clarity of the facts and the absence of any action by the club, information continues to be disseminated that does not correspond to reality and only serves to create confusion among fans and unnecessarily harm the entities and individuals involved."
Quite what prompted Real Madrid to go out of their way to publish that statement is not currently clear.
Fernandez, joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a £107m transfer fee.
The club had a poor season last campaign, finishing 10th after Enzo Maresca's resignation midway through the season and Liam Rosenior's appointment as his replacement.
For Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has been brought in ahead of the new season in hopes of turning the club's fortunes around.
