Alonso praises Fernandez as Chelsea reject £120m bids

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez remains a Chelsea player, praising his “really good attitude” as the club shuts the transfer window after a £120 million bid deadline passed on 14 August and prepares the squad for their Premier League opener at Fulham.

The image accompanying the story is credited to Getty ImagesImage, with the caption noting that Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107 million in 2023.

Sale negotiations and deadline

Chelsea reached an agreement with Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore in late May that the 25‑year‑old could leave for £120 million. The club set a deadline of 14 August for any offers, after which no formal bid was received.

With the deadline passing on Friday's deadline, the Blues informed Fernandez's camp that he is not for sale in this window. Alonso reiterated that the midfielder is focused on the upcoming match against Fulham.

Interest and club stance

Manchester City, whose former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca now manages the club, have expressed keen interest in signing the Argentine midfielder. City believe the London side still wants to strike a deal despite the closed window.

During a Thursday news conference, Alonso said, “Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.” He added that Fernandez has “integrated really well” since rejoining after the World Cup and is “training really well.” Alonso also noted, “I see him with a really good attitude and that’s what we want.”

Fans have given mixed signals, with audible jeers when Fernandez entered a 3‑1 friendly win over Real Sociedad, while others cheered his involvement. Chelsea awarded him the captain’s armband when he replaced Reece James last weekend, highlighting his growing role.

Reports from Spain suggest Chelsea remain privately open to a sale and have involved agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Pedro Neto, to facilitate any move. Earlier in the summer, Fernandez attempted a transfer to Real Madrid, which the Spanish club later denied.