Arsenal now have a clear path to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Man City are not in the race.
The Gunners have been credited with interest in the Argentina international as they continue their search to improve their midfield options.
Arsenal have been linked with numerous midfielders, including new Tottenham signings Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta hoping to give Martin Zubimendi a helping hand.
Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari revealed earlier this week that Arsenal are one of the clubs âgathering informationâ ahead of a potential move for Fernandez.
Longari wrote on X: âThe Enzo Fernandez topic remains open as he pushes to leave Chelsea. Real Madrid is the first option, but they must make a sacrifice to present an offer to the Blues. Exc In the Premier League, Manchester City and Arsenal are gathering information on the Argentine.â
It had long been assumed that Real Madrid were far in front of others in the queue to sign the Chelsea midfielder this summer but the La Liga giants released a statement on Friday ruling out a transfer this summer.
READ: Who are the highest-scoring clubs at the 2026 World Cup? Arsenal overtaken by unlikely Prem pair again
The statement read: âIn 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 FernĂĄndez, 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.
âReal Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo FernĂĄndez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognised, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
âPrecisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madridâs actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.
âReal 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.â
And now transfer expert Romano has revealed that Man City are not currently in the race to sign Fernandez, meaning Arsenal seemingly have a clear path if they choose to pursue a deal.
READ: Arsenal told âinsultâ bid for Guimaraes is way below Newcastle price tag
Romano said on his YouTube channel: âCan Enzo Fernandez go to Manchester City?
âMany of you are asking me if they can go for Enzo after Elliot Anderson in midfield.
âMy understanding is that Manchester City are not in conversation for Enzo Fernandez as well.
âAt the moment, itâs cold between Enzo and Man City.
âI know some colleagues have reported about that already months ago and in the recent weeks, but I am told Man City are not in conversations with Enzo Fernandez.â
Fernandezâs agent, Javier Pastore, revealed earlier this week that he is âlooking at possibilities for him to leave Chelseaâ in the summer, in the clearest sign yet that he wonât be at Stamford Bridge next season.
Pastore admitted during an interview with Marca: âToday the player is calmly focused on the national team, heâs playing in a World Cup, heâs very close to advancing to the round of 16.
âHeâs only thinking about that and weâre looking at possibilities for him to leave Chelsea, but thereâs nothing firm or confirmed with any club.â
When Pastore was asked specifically about interest from Real Madrid, he replied: âHe has many friends there, and heâs very good friends with Julian Alvarez, and in the end, they spend all their free time together there. And Iâm also living in Madrid.
âEvery time he travelled, it was to see me and to sort out work matters, but besides that: who doesnât love Madrid? I didnât even play in Madrid⊠I even live there.â
The Gunners have been credited with interest in the Argentina international as they continue their search to improve their midfield options.
Arsenal have been linked with numerous midfielders, including new Tottenham signings Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta hoping to give Martin Zubimendi a helping hand.
Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari revealed earlier this week that Arsenal are one of the clubs âgathering informationâ ahead of a potential move for Fernandez.
Longari wrote on X: âThe Enzo Fernandez topic remains open as he pushes to leave Chelsea. Real Madrid is the first option, but they must make a sacrifice to present an offer to the Blues. Exc In the Premier League, Manchester City and Arsenal are gathering information on the Argentine.â
It had long been assumed that Real Madrid were far in front of others in the queue to sign the Chelsea midfielder this summer but the La Liga giants released a statement on Friday ruling out a transfer this summer.
READ: Who are the highest-scoring clubs at the 2026 World Cup? Arsenal overtaken by unlikely Prem pair again
The statement read: âIn 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 FernĂĄndez, 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.
âReal Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo FernĂĄndez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely recognised, as well as for Chelsea FC, a club with which it maintains an excellent institutional relationship.
âPrecisely out of respect for an institution like Chelsea FC and the principles of institutional loyalty that have always guided Real Madridâs actions, the club considers it necessary to categorically deny these speculations, which are unfounded and do not reflect reality.
âReal 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.â
And now transfer expert Romano has revealed that Man City are not currently in the race to sign Fernandez, meaning Arsenal seemingly have a clear path if they choose to pursue a deal.
READ: Arsenal told âinsultâ bid for Guimaraes is way below Newcastle price tag
Romano said on his YouTube channel: âCan Enzo Fernandez go to Manchester City?
âMany of you are asking me if they can go for Enzo after Elliot Anderson in midfield.
âMy understanding is that Manchester City are not in conversation for Enzo Fernandez as well.
âAt the moment, itâs cold between Enzo and Man City.
âI know some colleagues have reported about that already months ago and in the recent weeks, but I am told Man City are not in conversations with Enzo Fernandez.â
Fernandezâs agent, Javier Pastore, revealed earlier this week that he is âlooking at possibilities for him to leave Chelseaâ in the summer, in the clearest sign yet that he wonât be at Stamford Bridge next season.
Pastore admitted during an interview with Marca: âToday the player is calmly focused on the national team, heâs playing in a World Cup, heâs very close to advancing to the round of 16.
âHeâs only thinking about that and weâre looking at possibilities for him to leave Chelsea, but thereâs nothing firm or confirmed with any club.â
When Pastore was asked specifically about interest from Real Madrid, he replied: âHe has many friends there, and heâs very good friends with Julian Alvarez, and in the end, they spend all their free time together there. And Iâm also living in Madrid.
âEvery time he travelled, it was to see me and to sort out work matters, but besides that: who doesnât love Madrid? I didnât even play in Madrid⊠I even live there.â
