Xabi Alonso has made clear he wants Enzo Fernandez to remain at Chelsea, saying simply: “Yes” when asked whether he hoped to keep the Argentina midfielder at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, with Real Madrid previously touted as a possible destination, but Alonso seemingly shut that move down during his unveiling as the club’s new head coach on Monday.
“We have spoken,” Alonso said. “But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private.”
Fernandez, currently preparing for Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England, is understood to be open to leaving Chelsea.
However, Real Madrid denied interest in the midfielder last week and the Blues’ reported £120 million valuation leaves few obvious destinations.
Alonso unveiled as Chelsea head coach
Alonso’s backing of Fernandez came during his first major press conference since replacing Enzo Maresca following the Spaniard’s departure from Real Madrid in January.
The new Chelsea boss also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson remains part of his plans after Bayern Munich opted against making his loan move permanent.
“Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us,” Alonso said.
There was less certainty surrounding Alejandro Garnacho’s future, however, with the winger yet to return to training under the new manager.
Alonso revealed an agreement had been reached for Garnacho to remain away from the first-team squad while he searches for a new club, with Roma among the sides interested in signing him.
Chelsea also saw Andrey Santos complete a move to Manchester United shortly before Alonso faced the media, prompting questions over whether missing out on European football would force the club to reduce the size of the squad.
“[It changed] the small details for sure but the main focus about how we want to start the competition in August, it doesn’t change much,” Alonso said.
“We are aligned with the sporting directors on what we want to reach. The team is good and where we want to reinforce in terms of positions is clear.
“There are some weeks to go but we are working in a very aligned way – and this is the right way.”
‘Privilege and honour’
Speaking from the Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge, Alonso described taking charge of Chelsea as both a “privilege and honour” and outlined the reasons behind accepting the role.
“The excitement is the club, the squad and the opportunity, through this ownership, to be at this great club, create a bond with the supporters, win games and be successful,” he said.
“I want to enjoy it, be part of this group and work together with the sporting directors, the players and the staff here.
“We need to make important decisions – the right decisions – but I think the foundations have already been built.
“We need to keep building a mentality to be competitive on the pitch, win games and enjoy doing it.”
Chelsea fell short in their bid to qualify for Europe last season following a final-day defeat to Sunderland, but Alonso made clear that returning to continental competition remains a priority.
“For sure, that’s a goal,” he said when asked about securing European football.
“But to reach that goal you have to do many things right.
“I will be part of that process. How we play, how we see ourselves and how we approach each game is my job, and that is why I am looking forward to having the whole squad available.
“We have only just started and these have been happy early days so far, but for sure we want to be there [in Europe].
“Time will tell, but we are ambitious, and at Chelsea you need to share that energy and hunger to succeed.”
