'Can be even better' - Enzo Maresca sets record straight on Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea future amid Real Madrid transfer links and house-hunting claims

The 24-year-old sent fans into overdrive after admitting he "always" plays as Real Madrid on EA Sports FC, at a time when the Argentine has been credited with interest from the Spanish giants. However, Blues head coach Maresca seemed to suggest the former Benfica man is going nowhere this summer.

When asked if Fernandez would be staying at Chelsea, he replied: "Yes."

Maresca added: “It’s a main player for us. He’s one of the captains, he’s one of the leaders. This season he has been very good. He can be even better next season, starting from the first day. Nothing to say about speculation. His focus is on us and this is the most important thing."

This also comes when reports suggest Fernandez has been spotted house-hunting in Madrid. However, the Argentine still has a Chelsea contract until 2032 and if they did let him leave, they would likely ask for more than the £106.8 million ($143m) they paid to Benfica back in 2023.

Aside from transfer speculation, Chelsea round off their regular season away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday - as they aim for a Champions League spot next term - before taking on Real Betis next Wednesday in the Europa Conference League final.