Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has stated his intention to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club this summer, despite ongoing speculation linking the Argentinian midfielder with a move to Real Madrid. The news comes after reports suggested Chelsea had placed a €140 million price tag on Fernandez, potentially deterring any potential suitors.
Fernandez, 25, has been the subject of transfer rumours in recent months, with suggestions he was seeking a move to La Liga. However, Alonso, who recently oversaw his first pre-season training session, has held discussions with the player and publicly affirmed his desire for him to remain a Chelsea player. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Alonso confirmed, “Yes, we have spoken but as you can understand what we have spoken remains private,” before directly stating, “Yes,” when asked if he wants to keep Fernandez.
Chelsea’s stance is further strengthened by Fernandez’s long-term contract, which doesn’t expire until 2032. The club recently generated a significant fee from the sale of Andrey Santos to Manchester United for €58 million, reducing the immediate pressure to sell key players. This financial stability allows Chelsea to be firm in their valuation of Fernandez.
In other transfer news, Alonso indicated that Alejandro Garnacho is likely to leave Chelsea on a permanent deal this summer, with the club working to facilitate a transfer for the €50 million-rated winger. Conversely, Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich following a disagreement with former manager Enzo Maresca, is expected to return to Chelsea and join the squad on their upcoming tour of Asia. Alonso expressed his anticipation of working with Jackson, stating, “He is joining in the tour that we are starting in Asia and I am looking forward to start with Nico at that time.”
These developments signal Alonso’s early plans for reshaping the Chelsea squad as he prepares for his first full season in charge. Retaining Fernandez would provide a significant boost to the team's midfield, while the potential departures of Garnacho and return of Jackson indicate a streamlining of the attacking options.
