Xabi Alonso refuses to rule out possibility of Enzo Fernandez leaving Chelsea this summer

Fernandez has attracted interest from Manchester City during this summer transfer window. Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesAug. 20, 2026 9:06 am EDT Updated Xabi Alonso refused to rule out the possibility of Enzo Fernandez leaving Chelsea before the close of this summer’s transfer window.Manchester City missed a deadline set by Chelsea to meet their £120million ($163m) valuation of Fernandez before 5pm UK time last Friday, and the west London club are keen for the saga not to disrupt Alonso’s preparations for the new Premier League season.Asked about Fernandez’s future in a press conference to preview Chelsea’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, Alonso praised the Argentina international’s quality and attitude in training at Cobham without giving a definitive response.

“Enzo is a Chelsea player, he’s a top, top player,” the Chelsea manager said. “He’s training really, really well since he started with the team, very integrated. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.”Why Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea will be differentJJ BullWhy Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea will be differentJJ BullAsked if Fernandez had voiced a desire to stay at Chelsea, Alonso replied: “He’s training really well with a good attitude, and that’s what we want. He’s trying to do his best to prepare for the kick-off of the Premier League.”Whatever happens with Fernandez, Chelsea are set to be busy finalising departures ahead of the close of the transfer window on September 1, with up to 12 players available for sale or loan as they work away from the first-team squad at Cobham.Chelsea have made nine first-team signings this summer, and any further recruitment will be contingent on departures. Alonso added that he is satisfied with the strength of his squad even if no more new faces arrive in the final days of August.“I’m really happy, I think we’ve made many right choices,” he added. “We have a very good balance in terms of quality, in terms of personality, maturity, (players at) different stages of their careers, with momentum. We are in a good position.”