During his introductory press conference at Stamford Bridge on Monday, new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated his intention to keep midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Currently representing Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, the 25-year-old had been subject to speculation regarding a potential transfer to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish club has refuted those rumors, and with a significant £120m price tag attached, no immediate alternatives have emerged.
Alonso confirmed that he and Fernandez have held private discussions regarding the player’s future. Addressing other squad updates, the manager announced that striker Nicolas Jackson will rejoin the team for the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after his loan move to Bayern Munich was not made permanent. Meanwhile, winger Alejandro Garnacho remains away from first-team training as he explores a move to another club, with Roma identified as a potential destination.
Looking ahead to his tenure, Alonso expressed gratitude toward the ownership and sporting directors. He emphasized his goal of securing European qualification in his first season, noting that while the team needs to make prudent decisions, it possesses a solid foundation for future success.
