\n<\/p>\n
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he wants Enzo Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge as speculation about his long-term future grows.<\/p>\n
Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea all summer. Manchester City and Real Madrid are among clubs rumoured to be interested in the midfielder.<\/p>\n
However, the Cityzens have already spent \u00a3116 million to sign Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while Madrid have released a statement denying their interest in Fernandez.<\/p>\n
Alonso has now made it clear that he sees Fernandez as an important part of his plans.<\/p>\n
Whether that will end any speculation regarding Fernandez\u2019s future remains to be seen, considering he has been giving hints about wanting a move over the past few months.<\/p>\n
Speaking during his first press conference (via The Athletic) as Chelsea manager after signing a four-year contract, Alonso revealed that he had already spoken with the midfielder.<\/p>\n
While he chose not to share what was discussed, he gave a simple and direct answer when asked if he wanted Fernandez to stay. \u201cYes,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n
Fernandez still has a long-term contract with Chelsea that runs until the summer of 2032. That means the club is under little pressure to sell.<\/p>\n
Chelsea will not stand in the way of the Argentine midfielder\u2019s potential departure, but any club hoping to sign the World Cup winner will need to pay at least \u00a3120m.<\/p>\n
Chelsea will travel to Australia on July 25 for the start of their pre-season tour. Interestingly, Nicolas Jackson will be included in the squad.<\/p>\n
Jackson returned to Chelsea after spending the 2025\/26 campaign on loan at Bayern Munich.<\/p>\n
The Bundesliga champions decided against making his move permanent despite having an option to do so, and Alonso is weighing up the possibility of reintegrating him into the squad.<\/p>\n
With Joao Pedro, Emmanuel Emegha, Liam Delap, and Jackson all vying for the same position, Chelsea must decide which of the latter trio to cash in on this summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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