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| Enzo Fernandez |
Xabi Alonso Wants Enzo Fernandez To Stay As Chelsea Outlines New-Season Plans
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reaffirmed his desire to keep Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge amid growing speculation linking the Argentina midfielder with a move away from the club.
Fernandez, who is currently preparing for Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against England, has been heavily linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid. However, the La Liga club reportedly denied interest in the 25-year-old last week, while Chelsea's reported £120 million valuation has further complicated any potential deal.
Speaking at his first major press conference since taking charge of the Blues, Alonso confirmed he wants Fernandez to remain at the club.
Asked if he expected the midfielder to stay, the Spaniard responded: "Yes."
Alonso added: "We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private."
The former Real Madrid midfielder also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will be part of Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after Bayern Munich decided against making his loan move permanent.
"Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia, and we are looking forward to him working with us," Alonso said.
On Alejandro Garnacho, Alonso disclosed that the winger has not resumed training with the first team, revealing there is an agreement for the player to remain away from the squad while he pursues a transfer, with Serie A side Roma among the clubs interested.
The Chelsea boss also addressed the club's failure to qualify for European competition, insisting it would not derail his plans despite Andrey Santos completing a transfer to Manchester United shortly before his media briefing.
"[It changed] the small details for sure, but the main focus on how we want to start the competition in August doesn't change much," he said.
"We are aligned with the sporting directors on what we want to achieve. The team is good, and we know the positions we want to strengthen. There are still a few weeks to go, but we are working together in a very aligned way, and that is the right approach."
Alonso described becoming Chelsea manager as both a privilege and an honour, expressing confidence in the foundations already established at the club.
"The excitement is the club, the squad and the opportunity to be at this great club, build a connection with the supporters, win games and be successful," he said.
"I want to enjoy it, be part of this group and work closely with the sporting directors, the players and the staff. We need to make the right decisions, but I believe the foundations have already been built. Now we must continue developing a winning mentality and remain competitive on the pitch."
The Spaniard admitted that returning Chelsea to European competition remains a major objective but stressed that consistent performances would be required to achieve that target.
"For sure, that's a goal. But to reach that goal, you have to do many things right," Alonso said.
"It is my responsibility to shape how we play, how we see ourselves and how we approach every game. We have only just started, but we are ambitious, and at Chelsea you have to share that hunger and desire to succeed."