Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has insisted Enzo Fernández remains a Chelsea player and is fully focused on Monday’s Premier League opener against Fulham, despite continued speculation over a potential £120 million transfer.
Chelsea had agreed in late May that Fernández could leave if the £120m valuation was met, with August 14 set as the deadline for bids. However, no formal offer arrived before the deadline, prompting the club to inform the Argentina midfielder’s representatives that he is not for sale during the current transfer window.
Manchester City remain interested in the 25-year-old and reportedly believe a deal could still be possible before the transfer window closes on September 1.
City are also in advanced negotiations over an £85m deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
“Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday,” Alonso told reporters.
“I see him with a really good attitude and that’s what we want.”
Fernández’s future has been the subject of intense speculation following a failed move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer and growing tensions with sections of the Chelsea support.
The midfielder received a mixed reception, including audible jeers, during Chelsea’s friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Chelsea have brought in agent Jorge Mendes to help resolve the situation, although reports in Spain suggest the club could still consider a sale if suitable terms are presented.
For now, however, Alonso’s public stance is clear: Fernández remains part of his plans as Chelsea prepare to begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham.
