Enzo Fernández's Future at Chelsea Uncertain Amid Manchester City Interest

Xabi Alonso has refused to promise that Chelsea will stand their ground if Manchester City come calling for Enzo Fernández.

The midfielder’s future is still hanging in the balance. Chelsea’s unofficial deadline for written bids of £120m for the 25-year-old Argentina international has come and gone, yet the prospect of him leaving Stamford Bridge remains very much alive. City, reshaping their midfield after Rodri’s move to Barcelona, have identified Fernández as a prime target and are weighing up whether to move before the window closes, while also monitoring Roma’s Manu Koné.

Chelsea know they are in a live situation. They have already lined up potential replacements, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton on their radar, but nothing is settled. Fernández has made no secret of his desire to leave, and Alonso offered no assurances when asked if the club’s record signing would still be in his squad at the end of the window.

“Enzo is a Chelsea player,” the former Real Madrid manager said. “He’s a top player. He’s training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team. Very integrated, and we are happy with him. He’s getting ready for Monday.”

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign away at Fulham on Monday night and Fernández is expected to be involved. That did not stop Alonso from swerving another direct question on whether the £106.7m midfielder had told him he wanted to stay.

“He’s training really well. I see him with a good attitude. That’s what we want. Everyone is trying their best to prepare for the kick off of the Premier League.”

If Fernández goes, Chelsea will push hard for a new midfielder. They are strong admirers of Scott, but have already seen one offer rejected for the 22-year-old and have been told Bournemouth intend to resist any sale this summer. Wharton remains an option, though City have already had a bid for the England midfielder turned down by Palace.

Alonso is also trying to streamline his squad before the deadline. Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu have slipped down the attacking order and are expected to move on. Delap has no shortage of suitors, with Everton, Leeds, Ipswich and Nottingham Forest all tracking the forward.

There is movement around the edges of the squad too. Chelsea have interest in Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto, while Palace want to strengthen their back line by taking Axel Disasi on loan.

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage with a season to launch and a midfield cornerstone who might not be theirs for long.