Fernandez joined Chelsea in January 2023, signing an eight-and-a-half-year deal in a British record transfer deal at the time.

He has since made 169 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, but this season has seen rumours swirl about his future.

Fernandez hinted in April he would be interested in a move to Real Madrid. Those comments saw him sidelined for two games by then coach Liam Rosenior.

Marc Cucurella has since made the move from Stamford Bridge to Madrid and spoke of his desire to see Fernandez join him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Pastore has now hinted Fernandez might not still be at Chelsea by the end of the transfer window.

"The player is calmly thinking about the national team, he is playing in a World Cup, he is very close to reaching the round of 16," Pastore said.

"He is only thinking about that, and we are looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea, but there is nothing firm or confirmed at any club."

Asked about Fernandez admitting his fondness for Madrid, ex-Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Pastore added: "He has many friends there, and he is very close friends with Julian Alvarez, and in the end, whenever they can spend time together, they are together there.

"And I also live in Madrid. Every time he travelled, he travelled to see me and to sort out work-related matters, but besides that, who doesn't like Madrid? I never even played in Madrid. I even live there."

Fernandez is expected to report for pre-season training as normal following his World Cup participation with Argentina.

Media reports suggest that if Fernandez, whose contract runs out in 2032, does want to force a move, Chelsea would seek a transfer fee of £120m.