Alonso Quashes Mega-Money Exit Rumors: Enzo Fernández Stays at Chelsea!

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has insisted that Enzo Fernández remains a Chelsea player, with the midfielder expected to be involved as the club prepares for its Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday. The comments come amid continued speculation over a possible £120 million move to Manchester City.

Fernández's future has been under scrutiny after Chelsea gave interested clubs a deadline to meet the midfielder's £120 million valuation. Manchester City did not submit an offer by the August 14 deadline, making a transfer less likely, although reports suggest the Premier League champions could still explore a late move before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Alonso backs Fernández ahead of Fulham clash

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's trip to Craven Cottage, Alonso gave a straightforward assessment of the situation.

“Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.”

The manager added that Fernández had shown a positive attitude in training, which is what he wants from the midfielder as Chelsea begins its 2026/27 campaign.

Chelsea's own preparations have included Fernández training with the squad ahead of the Fulham match. The club confirmed that Alonso's side has been working at Cobham this week before Monday's west London derby.

Fernández remains one of Chelsea's central midfield figures. The Argentina international joined the club from Benfica in January 2023 after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and is contracted to Chelsea until 2031.

Why Manchester City want him

Manchester City's interest is connected to their own midfield reshaping. The club is dealing with the expected departure of Rodri to Barcelona and has identified Fernández as one possible replacement. Chelsea's £120 million valuation, however, remains a major obstacle.

City have continued to strengthen their midfield in other ways, including the expected arrival of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth up to €100 million. The club had also signed Elliot Anderson for £116 million earlier in the window.

That activity makes a late move for Fernández less straightforward, particularly with Chelsea having already indicated that it expects him to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder's situation has nevertheless attracted attention from supporters. He received a mixed reaction during Chelsea's recent friendly against Real Sociedad, although he remains part of Alonso's plans and wore the captain's armband during the club's pre-season preparations.

For now, Alonso is treating the transfer speculation as secondary to the opening fixture. Chelsea's immediate task is a Monday night trip to Fulham, with Fernández expected to be part of the squad as the new manager begins his first Premier League season in charge.