Alonso refuses to guarantee Chelsea will block Manchester City bid for Enzo Fernández
On 20 August 2026 Xabi Alonso said he would not guarantee that Chelsea would turn down approaches from Manchester City for Enzo Fernández, despite describing the Argentina midfielder as a Chelsea player. The comments came with the transfer window still open and ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League opener.
Chelsea’s situation over Fernández remains unsettled after the club set an unofficial deadline for written bids of £120m for the 25-year-old, a deadline that has passed, while City continue to monitor him. Manchester City, who are also tracking Roma’s Manu Koné, have identified Fernández as a target as they consider midfield rebuilding following Rodri’s move to Barcelona and are weighing up whether to act before the window shuts. Chelsea have identified Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as possible replacements should Fernández depart.
Alonso refused to promise the club would hold firm and gave a guarded assessment of Fernández’s status, saying: “Enzo is a Chelsea player. He’s a top player. He’s training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team. Very integrated, and we are happy with him. He’s getting ready for Monday.”
The manager was noncommittal when pressed on whether Fernández would still be part of his squad at the close of the transfer window and on whether the £106.7m midfielder had told him he wanted to stay. Alonso said: “He’s training really well. I see him with a good attitude. That’s what we want. Everyone is trying their best to prepare for the kick off of the Premier League.”
Chelsea expect to need a midfield signing if Fernández leaves and remain keen on Alex Scott, having already had one offer for the 22-year-old rejected, with Bournemouth said to be resistant to a sale this summer. Palace’s Wharton is an alternative option, and Manchester City have had an offer for the England midfielder turned down by Crystal Palace.
Alonso is also seeking to reduce his squad size before the window closes, with Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu reported to have fallen down the pecking order and likely to move on. Everton, Leeds, Ipswich and Nottingham Forest are among clubs tracking Delap; Chelsea have interest in Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto, while Palace want to strengthen their defence by signing Axel Disasi on loan.
Manchester City’s interest could materialise before the transfer window shuts and Chelsea travel to Fulham on Monday night for their Premier League opener, with Fernández expected to be in the squad.