Xabi Alonso, the new manager of Chelsea, has expressed his clear intention to retain midfielder Enzo Fernandez at the club. This stance comes despite recent speculation surrounding Fernandez’s future and his reported desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez, currently representing Argentina at the World Cup, had been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Reports indicated that the midfielder had expressed a wish to live in Madrid, leading to a two-game suspension from Chelsea last season. However, Real Madrid issued a statement earlier this month denying any interest in signing the Argentine player, clarifying that information circulating was not accurate and was causing unnecessary confusion.
During his first press conference as Chelsea manager, Alonso addressed the situation regarding Fernandez. When asked about conversations he had held with the player, Alonso stated, “We spoke, but what we spoke about remains private.” However, his response was more direct when questioned about his desire to keep Fernandez at the club, simply replying, “Yeah.” This indicates a strong determination from the new coach to integrate Fernandez into his plans for the upcoming season.
The midfielder’s future at Chelsea had been uncertain, particularly given his attempts to force a move away from the club since the spring. With Real Madrid publicly denying their interest and no other clubs reportedly stepping forward with offers that would meet Chelsea’s valuation, it appears increasingly likely that Fernandez will remain with the London club. It is understood that Chelsea would seek a substantial fee, potentially upwards of £100m, for the player.
Alonso’s comments suggest an open door for Fernandez to return to Chelsea following his World Cup commitments. The manager’s clear affirmation of his desire to keep the player could pave the way for Fernandez to work under the new coach, potentially moving past the previous transfer speculation.
In other transfer news from Chelsea, winger Alejandro Garnacho appears to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge. Garnacho has not been participating in Chelsea’s pre-season preparations as discussions for a move away from the club are ongoing. Alonso confirmed that there is interest from other clubs in Garnacho, stating, “We have spoken with the sporting directors and there is interest from him, from other clubs, so let’s see how it develops.” He added, “Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties.”
Conversely, striker Nicolas Jackson could remain at Chelsea. Jackson has returned to the club after a loan spell at Bayern Munich last season. Alonso confirmed that Jackson “will join the tour in Asia and we’re looking forward to starting with Nico at that time,” suggesting he will be part of the squad for the upcoming season.
Beyond Chelsea, other transfer activities are also making headlines. Manchester United have reportedly finalised a £48m deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are reportedly nearing a deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, after a move for Ederson was put on hold. Aston Villa themselves are said to be targeting a quartet of wingers as they look to continue a busy summer of transfer activity at Villa Park. These developments highlight a dynamic period in the transfer market as clubs prepare for the upcoming season.
The football world also saw Jude Bellingham offer high praise for Diego Maradona, stating Maradona was “ten million times” the player he is. Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is reportedly set to take over temporarily as the new Uruguay manager following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure after a challenging World Cup campaign. These events underscore the ongoing changes and movements within the sport as the new season approaches.
Alonso’s first public statements as Chelsea manager, delivered in mid-July, have set a clear direction for the club’s strategy regarding key players like Fernandez, Garnacho, and Jackson, as the team prepares for the new campaign.
Source: skysports.com