- Xabi Alonso wants Enzo Fernandez to remain at Chelsea
- Nicolas Jackson will join Chelsea’s pre-season tour
- Alonso says Chelsea are focused on building a competitive squad
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has dismissed uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future, making it clear that the Argentine midfielder remains central to his plans at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez, currently preparing with Argentina for their World Cup semi-final against England, has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
EDITOR’S PICK
- 175th Kayokayo Festival Grand Finale: Epe Celebrates 175 Years of Faith, Heritage, Unity and Prosperity
- Wale Raji Reaffirms Commitment at KayoKayo Finale
- India: Massive Garbage Heap Collapse Kills Nine Workers at Waste-to-Energy Plant
Although the Spanish club has denied any interest, reports suggested Chelsea’s £120 million valuation could make any deal difficult.
When asked about Fernandez’s future during his first major press conference as Chelsea manager, Alonso gave a straightforward response.
“Yes,” he said when asked if he wanted the midfielder to remain at the club.
The Spaniard added that he had already held discussions with Fernandez but declined to reveal the details.
“We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private,” Alonso said.
Alonso also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will travel with Chelsea for their 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,” he said.
On winger Alejandro Garnacho, Alonso revealed the player has not resumed training with the first team because both parties agreed he should remain away from the squad while exploring a possible transfer. Italian side Roma is among the clubs reportedly interested.
The Chelsea boss acknowledged that missing out on European football this season had some impact on the club’s preparations but insisted it would not alter his broader plans, despite midfielder Andrey Santos recently completing a move to Manchester United.
“The small details have changed, but our overall objective remains the same,” Alonso said.
He explained that he and the club’s sporting directors share the same vision for strengthening the squad ahead of the new campaign.
“We know the areas where we want to improve, and we’re working together to achieve that. There’s still time before the season begins, and everything is progressing in the right direction,” he added.
Alonso described taking charge of Chelsea as both an honour and a major opportunity, saying he is determined to build on the work already done at the club.
He said his priority is to establish a strong relationship with supporters, develop a winning mentality within the squad and create a competitive team capable of sustained success.
According to the former midfielder, the foundations are already in place, but the club must continue building a culture focused on winning matches and enjoying football.
Alonso also identified a return to European competition as one of Chelsea’s major objectives, stressing that achieving it will require consistency throughout the season.
He said the team is still at the beginning of its journey under his leadership but expressed confidence that Chelsea have the ambition and determination needed to compete at the highest level once again.
FURTHER READING
