The Argentine midfielder has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge and was jeered by fans last week
Bookmark popover
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Xabi Alonso insists Enzo Fernandez is showing a “good attitude” as the Chelsea manager refused to engage in speculation about his star midfielder’s future.
Argentina international Fernandez has been linked with a move away from west London this summer, with Chelsea setting a deadline of 5pm last Friday for clubs to meet their £120m valuation. Despite strong interest from Manchester City, now coached by ex-Blues boss Enzo Maresca, City did not submit a bid.
Fernandez was jeered by some fans as he entered the fray at Stamford Bridge in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad last weekend. His name being read out over the tannoy ahead of Chelsea’s players emerging for the pre-match warm-up also received a smattering of boos from the handful of fans who had taken their seats early.
Yet with just under two weeks until the transfer window deadline on 1 September, Blues boss Alonso rebuffed questions on the 25-year-old’s future ahead of his first competitive match in charge.
“Enzo is a Chelsea player,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the short opening trip to Fulham on Monday.
“He’s a top, top player. He’s training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.
Asked further whether Fernandez has actually stated he wants to stay at the club he joined for £107m in 2023, Alonso did not budge.
“He’s training really well with a good attitude, and that’s what we want,” the Spaniard added. “He’s trying his best to prepare for the kick-off of the Premier League.”
Fernandez, who was sent off in the World Cup final and scored the equaliser against England in the semi-finals, made no secret of his desire to join Real Madrid a few months ago, before the Spanish club released a statement denying any interest in the player.
Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea (Getty)
Chelsea now expect the player to remain at the club until next summer, although last week’s deadline had no official relevance, meaning Fernandez could still be signed before the end of the transfer window by City – or another club – should all parties agree.
In more positive news for Chelsea, striker Joao Pedro has signed a new contract and has taken the No 9 shirt from Liam Delap.
“He’s not just a great player, he has a great personality,” Alonso said of the Brazilian.
“His development as a great player and as a leader is very noticeable each day and in each game. He has this focus and desire to have a great season, scoring goals but also helping the team.
“I’m very happy and impressed with his personality as well. Now, we need to help him reach his goals.”