… speaks on Garnacho, Jackson
New Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has broken his silence on Enzo Fernandez’s future, saying he wants the Argentina midfielder to remain at Stamford Bridge despite ongoing transfer speculation.
Fernandez, who is preparing for Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
However, the Spanish giants denied interest last week, while Chelsea are reportedly demanding around £120 million for the 25-year-old.
Asked about Fernandez’s Chelsea future and whether he wanted Fernandez to stay, Alonso replied: “Yes.”
He added: “We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private.”
Alonso also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will return to the squad for Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after Bayern Munich decided not to make his loan move permanent.
“Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us,” Alonso said.
The Spaniard revealed that Alejandro Garnacho has not resumed training with the first team after reaching an agreement with the club to stay away while he explores a transfer.
Italian side Roma are among the clubs interested in the winger.
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On Chelsea’s transfer plans, Alonso said the club remains aligned despite missing out on European football next season after a final-day defeat to Sunderland. His comments came shortly after midfielder Andrey Santos completed a move to Manchester United.
“[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.”
The 44-year-old described his appointment as a “privilege and honour” and said he was eager to build on the foundations already in place at the club.
“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.”
