Xabi Alonso says Enzo Fernandez is focused on Chelsea and preparing to start the Premier League season against Fulham on Monday, despite continued speculation linking the Argentina midfielder with a move to Manchester City.
Chelsea are pleased with Fernandez’s contribution during pre-season, according to Alonso, who described the 25-year-old’s attitude since returning to the squad as “very good”.
“Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he is preparing for Monday’s game,” said Alonso when asked at a news conference on Thursday whether Fernandez would still be at Stamford Bridge when the transfer window closes on 1 September.
The Spanish manager added that Fernandez had “integrated very well” since rejoining the group after the World Cup and was “training very well”.
“I see him with a very good attitude, and that is what we want,” Alonso said.
Fernandez’s future has remained a subject of interest throughout the summer, with Manchester City keen to sign the midfielder.
Chelsea reached an agreement with Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, at the end of May that would have allowed the player to leave for £120m. The arrangement included a deadline of 14 August for any formal offers to be submitted.
That deadline passed without an official bid arriving, after which Chelsea informed the player’s representatives that Fernandez was not available for transfer during the current window.
City are looking to strengthen their midfield following Rodri’s move to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva’s departure when his contract expired. The club is understood to believe Chelsea may still be open to completing a deal for Fernandez.
Manchester City are also in advanced negotiations over an £85m move for Morocco midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi.
Fernandez receives mixed reception
The uncertainty surrounding Fernandez has been compounded by his relationship with Chelsea supporters.
He was booed by some fans when he came on as a substitute during Chelsea’s 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad last Saturday. Other supporters responded by applauding and chanting his name.
The reaction remained divided throughout the match, with the crowd offering mixed responses to each of Fernandez’s touches.
Chelsea nevertheless showed their support for the midfielder by giving him the captain’s armband after he replaced Reece James in the match.
Fernandez had attempted earlier in the summer to secure a transfer to Real Madrid, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The Spanish club later denied that it was interested in signing him.
Spanish reports have suggested that Chelsea remain privately willing to consider selling Fernandez and have brought in agent Jorge Mendes to help resolve the player’s situation. Mendes also represents Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.
For now, Alonso’s public position is that Fernandez remains part of his plans as Chelsea prepare for their opening Premier League fixture against Fulham on Monday.
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