“I think next season” – Maresca makes Enzo Fernandez prediction despite Real Madrid links | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca believes Enzo Fernandez can improve his numbers next season despite links with a move to Real Madrid.

The Blues are preparing for a huge final two games in the Premier League with Maresca knowing there’s no margin for error following last weekend’s defeat to Newcastle.

Chelsea must beat Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to guarantee Champions League qualification, with the Blues currently occupying the fifth and final qualification spot.

Maresca backs Fernandez to score more next season

It’s very much been a season of two halves with the Blues flying high in second before Christmas, but a difficult second half of the campaign has seen them drop to fifth.

Despite that there’s still been a number of stand out performers such as Fernandez, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo.

The Argentine is having his best season since arriving from Benfica for a then British record of £106m in January 2023 and has become an integral part of Maresca’s side.

Fernandez has 20 G/A in all competitions for Chelsea this season. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Fernandez has scored seven goals and registered 13 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions this season, and Maresca has backed him to improve that next season.

“He scores goals but has important numbers with assists,” he told his pre-match press conference.

“I think next season he can improve his numbers even more.”

Fernandez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but he’s believed to be a key part of the project moving forward, whilst it’s also claimed the 24-year-old rejected a move to Atletico Madrid.

Santos and Essugo to arrive this summer

Midfield is arguably Chelsea’s strongest area with Fernandez, Caicedo and Romeo Lavia on the books, and there’s set to be further reinforcements.

Andrey Santos is set for a key role after excelling on loan at Strasbourg, whilst the Blues agreed a deal with Sporting Lisbon for Dario Essugo in March.

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Essugo has been signed as back-up to Caicedo, and both he and Santos could make their debuts at the Club World Cup this summer.

Chelsea are also believed to be monitoring Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but the last thing the Blues need is another midfielder.