Xabi Alonso has moved quickly to reassure Chelsea supporters over the future of Enzo Fernandez, confirming that the Argentine midfielder remains part of his plans despite growing speculation surrounding a possible summer exit.
Speaking at his first official press conference as Chelsea manager on Monday, Alonso revealed that he had already held private discussions with Fernandez and expressed a clear desire to keep the 25-year-old at Stamford Bridge.
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Fernandez has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, although the Spanish club publicly dismissed reports suggesting it was pursuing the midfielder. With Chelsea reportedly valuing the World Cup winner at around £120 million and no confirmed destination emerging, uncertainty over his future has continued throughout the summer.
Asked directly whether he wanted Fernandez to stay, Alonso gave a straightforward answer before explaining that conversations between the pair would remain confidential. His comments offered the strongest indication yet that Chelsea intend to build around one of their most influential midfielders rather than cash in during the transfer window.
Squad Decisions Begin Under New Manager
While Fernandez appears central to Alonso’s plans, the new Chelsea boss confirmed that other players face different situations.
Striker Nicolas Jackson will return to the first-team squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after Bayern Munich decided not to make his loan spell permanent. Alonso said he is looking forward to working with the forward during preparations for the new campaign.
Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, remains away from first-team training after reaching an agreement with the club while he explores a permanent transfer. Reports have linked Serie A side Roma with an interest in signing the winger.
Chelsea also confirmed another significant squad change, with midfielder Andrey Santos completing a move to Manchester United before Alonso addressed the media.
Chelsea Focused on Long-Term Planning
Chelsea narrowly missed out on European qualification last season, leaving the club without continental football this campaign. Despite that setback, Alonso insisted the absence of European fixtures would not dramatically alter preparations for the Premier League season.
He explained that discussions with Chelsea’s sporting directors have already identified areas where the squad can be strengthened while stressing that recruitment and planning are being handled together with a clear strategy.
Rather than focusing solely on transfers, Alonso emphasized the importance of creating a competitive mentality and building on foundations already in place at the club.
Alonso Embraces Chelsea Challenge
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Spain midfielder described becoming Chelsea manager as both a privilege and an honour, saying the club’s history and ambition played a major role in his decision to accept the position. He also spoke about reconnecting with English football after spending recent years managing in Spain and Germany.
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Having officially begun work earlier this month, Alonso has already started training a largely full squad at Cobham, with only a small group of players absent because of international commitments at the FIFA World Cup.
Eyes Set on Returning to Europe
Chelsea’s immediate objective is to re-establish themselves among English football’s leading clubs after missing out on European qualification.
Alonso acknowledged that returning to continental competition is an important target but said success will depend on consistent performances, the right mentality and steady progress throughout the season rather than focusing solely on league position.
With pre-season now underway, attention will shift from transfer speculation to how Alonso shapes his first Chelsea side. His early message has been one of stability, ambition and continuity, with Enzo Fernandez expected to remain a central figure as the club begins a new chapter under its latest manager.
