Xabi Alonso has been speaking about the future of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez amid the ongoing speculation that Manchester City could make a move for him this summer
Enzo Fernandez celebrates
Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring for Chelsea(Image: Visionhaus)
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Xabi Alonso has backed Enzo Fernandez to win over the Chelsea boo boys but refused to clarify whether the midfielder will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond next month's transfer deadline.
Fernandez has trained with the Blues squad for the past couple of weeks while the noise regarding his future has increased in the background. Manchester City hold a keen interest in the Argentina international, who told Chelsea officials of his desire to leave earlier in the summer, but as of the time of writing, the west Londoners have received no official offers.
The 25-year-old made his return to Stamford Bridge at the weekend where he was introduced in the second half of Chelsea's final pre-season friendly win over Real Sociedad. The Argentine was jeered by some Blues supporters, while others cheered and chanted the midfielder's name in response.
Ahead of Chelsea's Premier League opener away at west London neighbours Fulham on Monday night, Alonso believes Fernandez is capable of winning over the boo boys.
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“I’m sure it will happen because this is a normal situation in football,” said Alonso. “Once we start the competition, we need the support and we need the full commitment of all the team and of all the supporters when they come to Stamford Bridge.
“That we are all in the same direction and that we are pushing in the same direction.
"It's not unusual, it can happen," added the Chelsea boss on the reception Fernandez got. "We support him, we have a great player with Enzo. He's a top player, he's been so important.
"And we are happy that when I see him training, you see that he has a competitive mentality, a competitive player. And we work with him every day very well."
Alonso, however, was unable to assure Chelsea supporters that Fernandez will remain at the club beyond the September 1 transfer deadline. Asked if Fernandez has communicated that he wants to stay with the Blues, the Spaniard said: "He's training really well and I see him with a really good attitude and that's what we want.
"Everyone is trying their best to prepare for the kick-off of the Premier League."
Alonso also did not give too much away on where Fernandez would fit into his system if he was to stay put. He said: "He can do both [deep-lying and advanced midfield], mainly because of the balance in the positions.
"Coming from, not starting too high, starting from a build-up position, a playmaker, I think that when he's with the ball he has the qualities to link to the short passes but the long ones as well. He's able to see short and the farther players and from there he can progress."
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