If Enzo leaves Chelsea, will he choose PSG or Real Madrid?

The most recent remarks after the 0-3 loss to PSG in the Champions League quarter-final return leg suggest that Enzo Fernandez's departure from Chelsea this summer is a realistic possibility. Where would be the appropriate landing spot for the Argentine midfielder if he leaves Stamford Bridge?

Fernandez's contract with Chelsea still runs until 2032. This means the West London club is under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old midfielder unless an offer matches or exceeds the £106 million fee they paid to bring him from Benfica in early 2023.

If Fernandez genuinely seeks a new challenge, he would only join a top-tier continental club. It must be a team with the ambition and capability to win the Champions League and help the midfielder pursue prestigious individual honors like the Ballon d'Or. It is highly unlikely the Argentine midfielder would join another Premier League club, even though both Manchester United and Manchester City would seize the opportunity if he decides to leave Chelsea. At this point, only two destinations can meet those aspirations: PSG and Real Madrid.

PSG is the team that just defeated Fernandez's Chelsea with an aggregate score of 8-2 over two Champions League quarter-final legs. Luis Enrique's side claimed the title last season and is eager to become the second team in history to successfully defend the Champions League trophy after Real Madrid. PSG's midfield needs refreshing despite having talented players like Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, and Warren Zaire-Emery. Fernandez's presence would significantly elevate PSG's midfield. PSG showed interest in the Argentine midfielder during the winter transfer window, and if Chelsea fails to secure Champions League qualification next season, they will attempt to bring him in this summer.

Another highly attractive destination for Fernandez is Real Madrid. Compared to PSG, Real Madrid has a clearer need to upgrade its midfield. Real Madrid's midfield boasts physically strong players like Tchouameni and Camavinga. However, what Arbeloa's team lacks in the midfield is a creative player. Fernandez's presence could help Real Madrid revive the image of a maestro orchestrating play from the center, similar to what Luka Modric or Toni Kroos accomplished previously.

Real Madrid itself is an irresistible attraction for any star. Not to mention distant examples, Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger both left Chelsea when Real Madrid showed interest. Joining Real Madrid would allow Fernandez not only to conquer major trophies like the Champions League but also serve as a launchpad for his Ballon d'Or ambitions. That is something he would struggle to find if he remains at Chelsea, as Rosenior's team is not a contender for titles in major competitions like the Premier League or Champions League.

Some have considered Fernandez moving to the Saudi Pro League. Indeed, Saudi clubs have shown some interest and are willing to offer salaries and transfer fees attractive enough for both Chelsea and the Argentine midfielder personally. However, the midfielder born in 2001 certainly does not want to move to the Saudi Pro League too early. His top priority is to stay with a top European club, win trophies, and establish his reputation. Therefore, if he leaves Chelsea this summer, PSG or Real Madrid would be the most plausible choices for Fernandez.