Xabi Alonso has barely begun his Chelsea reign, but the new head coach is already facing two major squad questions that could shape the club’s summer. On the day he was officially unveiled at Stamford Bridge, Alonso confirmed he has held private talks with Enzo Fernandez and made it clear that he wants the Argentina midfielder to stay.
Xabi Alonso has discussed the futures of Enzo Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho after he was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Monday
There has been intense speculation surrounding the future of Enzo Fernandez this summer while the midfielder has been away on international duty with Argentina
Fernandez has been surrounded by transfer speculation throughout the summer, with Real Madrid known to admire him. The rumours became loud enough that the Spanish club, now led by Jose Mourinho, issued a statement denying they were in talks for the 25-year-old. Chelsea, meanwhile, are understood to value Fernandez at around GBP120 million and still see him as a central part of their project.
Asked whether he had spoken to Fernandez, Alonso confirmed the conversation had taken place but refused to reveal the details. When pressed on whether he wanted to keep the midfielder, his answer was direct: yes. That response was significant. It signalled that, despite the noise around Madrid and Fernandez’s own uncertain future, Chelsea’s new manager does not want to lose one of the team’s most important players.
Fernandez is currently away with Argentina as they prepare for a huge World Cup semi-final against England. While his international focus remains on that blockbuster clash, Chelsea’s transfer planning is moving quickly in the background. The club have already sanctioned several notable departures, including Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, Tyrique George to Everton and Andrey Santos to Manchester United.
Those sales show that Chelsea are once again prepared to make bold decisions in the market. Alonso admitted as much, saying the club must make important and correct calls as they build for the new season. He insisted Chelsea already have a strong base, but said the priority now is to create the right mentality, compete properly and restore a winning edge.
Alejandro Garnacho looks destined to leave Chelsea this summer
One player who appears central to Alonso’s plans is Cole Palmer. The England attacker has returned to pre-season training after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, and Alonso sounded excited by what he has seen so far. He described Palmer as a special talent and suggested he could become one of Chelsea’s key attacking figures if the team can find proper structure and stability around him.
The mood is far less certain around Alejandro Garnacho. The winger, signed from Manchester United last summer, has not returned for pre-season and appears likely to leave after only one campaign at Stamford Bridge. Alonso confirmed that he and the sporting directors have discussed the situation and that there is interest from other clubs. His comment that he hopes the matter finishes in the best way for all parties strongly suggests that Garnacho’s Chelsea future is fading fast.
That creates another major storyline for a club already moving aggressively. Chelsea are trying to balance ambition with ruthless decision-making, and Alonso’s first public appearance showed that sentiment will not drive the summer strategy. Players who fit his vision will be protected. Those who do not may quickly find themselves pushed towards the exit.
Alonso also refused to reveal whether Chelsea will play with a back three or back four, saying only that he already has ideas in mind. What he did make clear is that he wants his side to be active, brave and competitive, with good football built on a strong mentality. For supporters, that will sound promising. For the players, it is a warning that places under the new coach will have to be earned.
The Fernandez decision could now become Alonso’s first major test. Keeping him would show Chelsea intend to hold on to elite midfield talent despite outside interest. Losing him would raise fresh questions about the direction of another rebuild. Garnacho’s likely exit, meanwhile, shows that big names and big fees will not guarantee patience.
Chelsea have entered a new era, but it already feels intense. Alonso has arrived with calm words, clear authority and a demand for the right mentality. Now the transfer window will reveal who truly belongs in his Stamford Bridge future.
