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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso refused to clarify whether midfielder Enzo Fernandez wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, amidst strong interest from Manchester City.
City manager Enzo Maresca seeks a reunion with the Argentina international following Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona.
Maresca and Fernandez previously worked together for 18 months before the manager departed London in January.
Fernandez previously upset Chelsea supporters last season by hinting at a possible exit amid interest from Real Madrid. The fans booed him during a recent friendly against Real Sociedad.
Chelsea reportedly set an August 14 deadline for clubs to submit offers for the midfielder, whom the club values at approximately £120 million ($163 million).
When asked about the player’s intentions, Alonso praised Fernandez’s work ethic and integration with the squad ahead of the Premier League opener.
The midfielder joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-record £106.8 million fee.
Losing him would deal a major blow to Alonso as he prepares for his first Premier League match in charge against Fulham on Monday.
Alonso dismissed any notion of friendship with Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa, his former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain teammate.
He stated that both managers will focus solely on competing for their respective clubs during the 90 minutes.
Both Chelsea and Alonso aim to rebuild after challenging spells last season.
Alonso left Real Madrid in January after eight months, while Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League.
Despite these setbacks, Alonso expressed confidence in the squad’s pre-season preparation and praised new additions like Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck, and Jordan Henderson.
Meanwhile, several players—including Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, and Mykhailo Mudryk—are training separately from the main squad as potential transfers loom.
