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Chelsea head coach, Xabi Alonso, has reaffirmed the club’s commitment to Enzo Fernandez, insisting the midfielder remains part of his plans despite continued speculation linking him with Manchester City.
Fernandez has attracted interest from City, but Chelsea have maintained that the 25-year-old Argentina international is not for sale. The club’s stance remains unchanged after the August 14 deadline for a formal bid passed without an offer.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday, Alonso said Fernandez was focused on preparing for the new campaign.
“Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday,” Alonso said.
The former Spain international also praised Fernandez’s attitude since returning to the squad following the World Cup, saying the midfielder had quickly settled back into training.
“He has integrated really well since rejoining the group after the World Cup and is training really well.
“I see him with a really good attitude and that’s what we want.”
City’s reported interest remains, with the Premier League champions understood to be looking to strengthen their midfield. However, Chelsea’s position is that Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has received a mixed reception from some Chelsea supporters during pre-season, but the club’s confidence in him was underlined when he wore the captain’s armband during the friendly victory over Real Sociedad.
With the transfer window set to close on September 1, speculation over Fernandez’s future is likely to continue. For now, however, Alonso’s comments indicate that Chelsea expect their midfielder to remain an important part of the team.
