Unsurprisingly, Enzo Fernandez’s future was one topic discussed in Xabi Alonso’s first press conference as Chelsea manager on Monday.
Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea this summer, so Alonso was asked about the midfielder, who is currently representing Argentina at the World Cup.
Alonso confirmed that he has spoken to Fernandez and made it clear that he wants to keep hold of the 25-year-old.
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Chelsea's Moises Caicedo and Arsenal's Declan Rice confronting each other
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Discussing Fernandez in his press conference, which was broadcast on Chelsea’s official club website, Alonso said: “Yes we have spoken. But as you can imagine what we have spoken remains private. But yes, we have spoken.”
When asked whether he wants to keep Fernandez at Chelsea, the Spaniard responded: “Yes”.
Fernandez is one of the best midfielders in the world and proved that last season. In 54 appearances, the Argentine scored 15 goals, which is an excellent return for someone in his position.
He has also scored for Argentina at this year’s World Cup, netting the winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16.
Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina gestures
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Despite his status as one of Europe’s most elite midfielders, there is still a lack of interest in Fernandez. That may be due to Chelsea’s valuation, with the club thought to want £120m for him.
That is perhaps the main reason why Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Fernandez. But if Elliot Anderson is going for £116m and Sandro Tonali for £100m, Chelsea’s valuation of the Argentina international is more than fair.
Unless it drops, Alonso can be confident about retaining Fernandez, which is what the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss clearly wants to do.
Chelsea have already weakened their midfield by allowing Andrey Santos to join Premier League rivals Manchester United. The Brazilian did a good job after coming into the team in the second half of last season.
Letting Fernandez follow Santos out of the exit door would obviously be an even heavier blow. Hopefully it does not come to that.
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