Xabi Alonso has admitted Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea future remains unresolved after Manchester City were linked with a potential late move for the £120million midfielder.
Fernandez started on the bench during Chelsea’s 3-2 victory over Fulham before replacing Romeo Lavia in the 65th minute. His involvement confirmed he remains part of Alonso’s immediate plans, but the head coach stopped short of guaranteeing he will stay.
Speaking after the match, Alonso told BBC Radio 5 Live: “In football, I am not surprised by anything. We will see.”
The Chelsea manager added that he wanted clarity over Fernandez’s future, acknowledging “we will see this week”.
🚨🔵⚪️ BREAKING: Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City, here we go! Deal agreed club to club.
Fee to reach €100m package with add-ons, as @FabriceHawkins reports. Green light from Lille to the sale.
Bouaddi agreed terms with City in July and now set to join #MCFC project. pic.twitter.com/qcbMqphude
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2026
Enzo Fernandez Chelsea future complicated by Man City transfer
Manchester City’s interest has continued despite their significant investment elsewhere in midfield.
ReadChelsea reported that City agreed an £86million deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi without completely ending their interest in Fernandez.
Another potential departure from the Etihad Stadium could now change the financial picture.
The Guardian reports Newcastle are nearing a £50million deal for Nico Gonzalez, potentially giving Manchester City funds to pursue Fernandez.
City have not yet submitted a confirmed offer for the Argentina international. However, a significant midfield sale would increase their capacity to challenge Chelsea’s position before the transfer window closes.
Sky Sports previously reported that Chelsea value Fernandez at £120million and had set a 14 August cut-off for Manchester City to submit a bid.
That date passed without an agreement, but Alonso’s latest comments suggest the situation has not been completely resolved.
Chelsea consider potential midfield replacement
Fernandez’s departure would leave Chelsea needing to replace one of their most experienced midfielders, particularly after Moises Caicedo missed Monday’s win through injury.
ReadChelsea reported on Monday that Chelsea could consider an £85million move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott if Fernandez leaves Stamford Bridge.
Alonso instead selected Lavia alongside Reece James at Craven Cottage, with Fernandez named among the substitutes in Chelsea’s confirmed starting XI against Fulham.
No transfer has been agreed, and Chelsea remain in control of Fernandez’s future. Alonso’s acknowledgement that the situation could develop this week nevertheless keeps Manchester City’s interest firmly in focus.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer delivers blunt message after Fulham victory
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Watch Fulham 2-3 Chelsea highlights as Palmer and Rogers score