Enzo Fernández's Future at Chelsea: Alonso's Cautious Stance
Xabi Alonso has refused to promise that Chelsea will stand their ground if Manchester City come hard for Enzo Fernández.
The midfielder’s future is still hanging in the balance. Chelsea’s unofficial cut-off for written offers of £120m for the 25-year-old Argentina international has come and gone, yet the threat of a late move has not disappeared. City, reshaping their midfield after Rodri’s move to Barcelona, have placed Fernández high on their list and are weighing up a bid as the window ticks towards its close. Roma’s Manu Koné is also on their radar, but Fernández is a headline target.
Chelsea know they are in a delicate position. They have sounded out Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as potential replacements, a clear admission that the situation could turn quickly. Fernández has made no secret of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge, and Alonso offered no guarantees when pressed on whether the club’s record signing will still be in blue at the end of the window.
“Enzo is a Chelsea player,” the former Real Madrid manager said. “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.”
Chelsea begin their Premier League season away at Fulham on Monday night. Fernández is expected to be in the squad, yet Alonso again sidestepped when asked directly if the £106.7m midfielder had told him he wants to stay.
“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.”
Behind those careful words sits a clear reality: if Fernández goes, Chelsea will need a new midfielder, and quickly. They are strong admirers of Scott, but have already seen one offer for the 22-year-old rejected and have been told Bournemouth intend to resist any sale this summer. Wharton remains a live option, though City have already had a bid for the England midfielder turned down by Palace.
While the Enzo saga rumbles on, Alonso is also trying to streamline a bloated squad. Up front, Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu have slipped down the pecking order and are expected to move on if suitable deals arrive. Delap, in particular, has a queue forming: Everton, Leeds, Ipswich and Nottingham Forest are all tracking the striker.
There is movement around the edges of the squad too. Chelsea have interest in Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto, while Palace are pushing to strengthen their defence with a loan move for Axel Disasi.
Chelsea’s season starts at Craven Cottage on Monday. Whether it starts the countdown to Fernández’s exit, or the moment he recommits on the pitch, could define the rest of their summer.
