Chelsea urged to sell Enzo Fernández amid Real Madrid interest

Chelsea have been urged to consider selling Enzo Fernández this summer after former midfielder and coach Jody Morris claimed the club should not keep players who no longer want to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Fernández has been heavily linked with a move away following months of speculation over his future. The Argentina international reportedly expressed a desire to join Real Madrid earlier this year, while further comments from his representatives during the World Cup have fuelled fresh uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.

Despite the speculation, Chelsea are not prepared to let Fernández leave cheaply.

Reports suggest the Blues would demand around £120 million for the midfielder, who became the club's record signing when he arrived for £106 million.

Real Madrid, who have frequently been linked with the Argentina international, have publicly distanced themselves from a move, leaving uncertainty over whether any club will meet Chelsea's asking price.

Speaking on behalf of BOYLE Sports, Morris said Chelsea should only consider a sale if their valuation is met, but believes the club would benefit from moving on players who are no longer fully committed.

"If people aren't wanting to pay the money for a player, then he stays," Morris said.

"Enzo Fernández is one of the few who would get pass marks last year for Chelsea. There weren't many at all."

The former Chelsea coach added that commitment should always come before individual quality.

"I have always been the same, if someone doesn't want to be at a football club, then let them go. Letting them go doesn't mean letting them go for cheap.

"If people don't want to be at Chelsea, I would rather they go, regardless of how they performed or how much you like the player."

Morris believes Fernández's performances during the World Cup could increase the chances of Chelsea recovering most, if not all, of the fee they originally paid.

"The value might be there after the World Cup he had. It might be the best opportunity to try and claw back as much of the fee we shelled out as possible.

"If he doesn't want to go, then you have a player who has produced for Chelsea before. I am sure Xabi Alonso wouldn't mind having him in the squad if he wants to be there. But if he doesn't, the quicker he leaves, the better."

Chelsea now face an important decision as they prepare for the new campaign, balancing the player's quality against the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.

Morris also questioned Chelsea's reported pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

The France international is understood to be closing in on a £55 million move to Stamford Bridge, but Morris admitted he has reservations after watching the centre-back during the World Cup.

"I thought Lacroix did great for Crystal Palace last year in a back three, but playing for Palace and Chelsea are two different things," he said.

"I didn't think he played well for France. I would be interested to see how he does in a back four, because I've only ever seen him in a three."

Morris also pointed to difficult performances against Spain and England, suggesting it remains to be seen whether Lacroix would suit Xabi Alonso's tactical approach at Chelsea.

Chelsea are expected to continue monitoring interest in Fernández while maintaining their £120 million valuation. Unless a club matches that figure, the Argentina international is likely to remain at Stamford Bridge. At the same time, the Blues are working to complete a deal for Maxence Lacroix as Xabi Alonso continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.