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Chelsea were forced to delete a social media post celebrating Enzo Fernandez after he scored a crucial equaliser to help Argentina beat England in the World Cup semi-final. The Blues posted a picture of the happy midfielder celebrating his late goal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with just his name and one explosion emoji.<\/p>\n
That apparently innocuous gesture triggered a flood of vitriol from the club\u2019s predominantly English contingent, incensed that their own club was praising a player responsible for the Three Lions\u2019 agonising defeat. Fernandez equalised with a spectacular long-range goal in the 85th minute, before Lautaro Martinez headed in a Lionel Messi cross to complete the 2-1 comeback win seven minutes later.<\/p>\n
England\u2019s exit was confirmed, and the post was quietly removed by the club. The backlash that followed was said to be fierce, with furious fans swamping the comments section. There is much talk of the Argentine\u2019s future, and Chelsea\u2019s obvious discomfort makes it all the worse, for he clearly wants to quit Stamford Bridge for better things in the Spanish capital.<\/p>\n
Now, the defending champions Argentina will take on Spain in the much-anticipated final on Sunday, while Chelsea are left to deal with a PR nightmare of their own making.<\/p>\n
Chelsea still determined to keep Enzo Fernandez despite ongoing Real Madrid rumours<\/h2>\n Chelsea\u2019s main problem with Fernandez, beyond short-term social media embarrassment, is that they need to keep a player whose long-term commitment is becoming less certain. Xabi Alonso was appointed manager just last May and has made it clear he wants to retain the midfielder as part of his new project.<\/p>\n
The Argentine has been linked with Real Madrid non-stop since earlier this summer, when his agents were said to have started looking into possible options outside of West London. But the Spanish giants have categorically stated they have no real interest, and Chelsea\u2019s steep valuation of \u20ac140 million has clearly cooled Los Blancos\u2019 ardour. The Blues have Fernandez tied down until June 2032, so the London hierarchy are in a very strong negotiating position.<\/p>\n
Chelsea have only just offloaded Andrey Santos to Manchester United for around \u00a350 million, so they\u2019d probably not want another big midfield departure this window. When Fernandez\u2019s break from the tournament ends at the end of July, he should be back to start preparations for the season. Alonso, though, has a difficult job to get his newly reshaped side gelling ahead of a first tough game away at fierce west London rivals Fulham.<\/p>\n\n <\/aside>\n \n\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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