Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso to keep Enzo Fernández, seeks Alejandro Garnacho exit

In his first press conference as Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso confirmed he wants Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández to stay at the club, answering “yes” when asked and noting a private conversation with the player. Chelsea continues to hold firm on a £120 million valuation, and Real Madrid has publicly denied any interest.

Alonso also announced that winger Alejandro Garnacho will not be training with the first‑team and is being pursued by clubs such as AS Roma, with a likely transfer fee in the €42‑50 million range. The young Argentine’s Chelsea spell is described as finished.

Other points from the briefing included praise for Cole Palmer as a “special talent”, the return of striker Nicolas Jackson for the pre‑season tour of Asia and Australia, and the recent departure of midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United. Alonso stressed the club’s ambition to return to European competition, describing the role as a “privilege and honour” and urging a culture of hunger and ambition throughout the squad.