Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernández can be added to the list of possible defensive reinforcements for Chelsea this summer.
That’s according to Bernabeu Digital, who say the Spaniard is one of the ‘other options’ those in charge at Stamford Bridge are looking at.
They need to find replacements for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, both of whom have left on free transfers to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
Chelsea have subsequently been linked to defenders all around Europe, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Mathijs de Ligt, Milan Skriniar and Jules Koundé all reportedly on their list. Nathan Ake is also seemingly joining from Manchester City.
They’ll need at least two signings in the position, though, and with a move for number one target Koundé not progressing, BD say they’ve turned their attention elsewhere.
Real Madrid Fernández is one of the options they are looking at. Chelsea reportedly see him as a ‘very solid, reliable centre-back’ with a lot of experience at the top level.
Even better, any deal for him would be ‘very economical’ as his contract expires in 2023. In other words, he would be a ‘bargain’.
The arrival of Rudiger means the defender has been pushed down the pecking order, and that could encourage him to leave, a decision the Spanish giants would understand.
Their plan is to offer him a one-year extension to his current deal but will ‘respect any decision’ the player makes should Chelsea make an offer for him.
The Blues, for their part, are aware of Fernández’s situation and that Madrid will not ‘ask too much’ for a transfer. Because of this, they are ‘seriously sounding out’ his environment.
For the moment, there have been no negotiations or offers, but that could change as Chelsea look to reinforce their defence, which has been seriously weakened this summer.
