Alonso says Chelsea are happy with Enzo Fernandez amid transfer speculation

Xabi Alonso told reporters on Thursday during his news conference that Enzo Fernandez remains a Chelsea player and that the club are content with him as transfer speculation continues. Alonso said: "Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he's getting ready for Monday."

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for £107m, and in late May the club agreed with his agent Javier Pastore that the Argentina midfielder could leave for £120m, with a 14 August deadline for any bids. That deadline passed last Friday without a formal offer, and Chelsea informed Fernandez's camp that the player is not for sale in this window. Manchester City, managed by Enzo Maresca, have been linked with the 25‑year‑old and believe Chelsea still want to do a deal.

Alonso said Fernandez has reintegrated since rejoining the group after the World Cup and is "training really well." He added: "I see him with a really good attitude and that's what we want," as Chelsea prepare for their Premier League opener at Fulham. The head coach indicated the midfielder is focused on the immediate competitive schedule.

Manchester City are also pursuing other midfield options, with reports that they are in advanced talks over an £85m move for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Those moves come amid midfield departures at City after Rodri agreed a move to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva left when his contract expired. City’s interest in Fernandez has been framed by that wider recruitment need.

Spanish reports say Chelsea remain privately open to selling Fernandez and have appointed agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents winger Pedro Neto, to try to resolve the situation. The club's handling of the matter follows Fernandez’s attempt to move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, which failed despite the club later denying any interest.

The midfielder’s relationship with Chelsea supporters has complicated matters: there were audible jeers when he came on during Saturday's 3-1 friendly win over Real Sociedad, amid alternating cheers from others and mixed reactions every time he touched the ball. Chelsea appeared to counter that atmosphere by giving Fernandez the captain's armband when he replaced Reece James last weekend.

Alonso was asked whether Fernandez would still be at Stamford Bridge when the transfer window closes on 1 September; his remarks came as Chelsea prepare to face Fulham in the Premier League opener.