Former Chelsea defender, Frank Leboeuf has told Enzo Fernandez that he is no longer welcome at Stamford Bridge.
Since hinting at a possible departure from Chelsea earlier in April, Fernandez has become a major subject of transfer rumours.
While there is no interest from his preferred club, Real Madrid, he is reportedly on the radar of Manchester City.
Although Manchester City did not meet Chelsea’s £120 million asking price before the August 14 deadline given to them, it is believed that Enzo Maresca’s team is still evaluating a potential deal as the summer transfer deadline approaches.
Discussing the future of the Argentine player, Leboeuf told ESPN’s Enzo Fernandez, ‘‘I think he’s gone. We have seen the situation with Julian Alvarez (involving Atletico Madrid and Barcelona).
“A club can strive to retain a player, but if the player wishes to leave, he must go, as there is no way he can be fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to give his all.
“I think nobody (at the club) wants Enzo Fernandez to stay. It’s time for him to go because he decided to go. He showed last season that he wanted to leave. So, bye-bye, good luck.”
Fernandez, 25, came on as a substitute in Chelsea’s 3-2 victory against Fulham in the season opener last Monday. However, he has not been included in the squad since, as the club is reportedly working on a deal to acquire Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
Since transferring from Benfica for £107 million in January 2023, Fernandez has played 170 matches for Xabi Alonso’s team across all competitions, contributing 31 goals and 30 assists.
Transfer: ‘Nobody wants you’ – Frank Leboeuf says goodbye to £120m rated Chelsea star