Javier Pastore has a simple explanation for why Enzo Fernández keeps turning up in Madrid on his days off: he lives there. Well, Pastore does — and Enzo has friends in the city. That's the line from the agent, anyway, as he moved to cool speculation over a potential Real Madrid transfer that has been building for weeks.
"A lot is being said, but the truth is that nothing is really happening," Pastore told reporters. "He's focused on finishing the season strongly at Chelsea."
The links ignited after Fernández made comments about Madrid that earned him a suspension at Chelsea. Pastore didn't disown those comments — he just contextualised them. Enzo likes the city. He visits when he can. It doesn't mean he's engineering an exit.
The transfer picture is murkier than it looks
Here's the complication: "we'll see what happens" is not a denial. Pastore's language around the summer is deliberately vague — finish the season, have a strong World Cup, then reassess. That's the roadmap of a player keeping options open, not one committed to his current club beyond this campaign.
Chelsea's season has been chaotic enough that Fernández has been used in multiple roles under two different managers. Under Maresca, he played further forward. Under Rosenior, he dropped into a holding role. The Argentine national team use him as an advanced eight. That versatility is exactly what makes him attractive — and expensive. Anyone pricing Chelsea futures or tracking their squad stability into next season should note that one of their highest-profile midfielders has an agent talking publicly about summer ambiguity.
Mastantuono and the Argentina question
Pastore also touched on fellow Argentine Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old at Real Madrid who has struggled to make an impact. The verdict was measured: "He's not the kind of player who can decide matches on his own. He's more of a player who thrives on combinations." Realistic expectations, at least.
On the World Cup, Pastore backed Argentina as favourites — defending champions, strong qualifiers, confident squad. He's not wrong that the pieces are there. Whether Fernández arrives in top form, and at which club he's playing for by then, remains the more interesting subplot.
"The aim is to finish the season well at Chelsea, have a strong World Cup, and then we'll see what happens." From Pastore's mouth, that's about as close to a transfer hint as agents ever get.
