Jose Mourinho has told Real Madrid to pursue a deal for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after signing Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, according to reports in Spain.
Mourinho does not officially begin his new job until mid-July, but Real have already been busy in the transfer market in preparation for the Portuguese manager's arrival. Marc Cucurella has joined from Chelsea for £51.8 million, while former Manchester City midfielder Silva has also completed his free transfer to Los Blancos. Central defender Ibrahima Konate is also widely expected to join the Spanish giants after failing to agree terms on a new deal with Liverpool.
Mourinho's Midfield Priority
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Mourinho is keen to make further additions to the squad, and is particularly keen to bolster his options in central midfield. It is said that Mourinho has requested that Real make Chelsea midfielder Fernandez their 'number one priority' in that area of the pitch.
Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Fernandez, who they signed in a £107 million deal from Benfica three years ago. But the Blues are said to be willing to part ways with the World Cup winner for a fee of £120 million after Fernandez expressed his desire to leave the club.
Fernandez's Desire for Madrid
Midway through last season, Fernandez raised doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge and later said he would relish the chance to live in Madrid. The Argentina international also criticised Chelsea's decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca after the Italian's relationship with the club's hierarchy broke down.
Alternative Targets
Should a deal for Fernandez fail to materialise, Real Madrid are also keen on West Ham midfielder Matheus Fernandes. Fernandes appears poised to leave the Hammers after their relegation from the Premier League, although Manchester United are thought to be in the driving seat to sign the Portuguese midfielder.
Elsewhere, Real have also been credited with interest in breakout World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi, who built on his impressive season at Lille with an eye-catching display against Morocco last week. Bouaddi is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, with Lille demanding a €70 million (£60.4 million) transfer fee for the midfielder. Asked about speculation over his future, Bouaddi recently told The Athletic: 'I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But for now I'm only focused on the World Cup and we will try to give everything to do our best.'
