Xabi Alonso confirms stance on €140m Chelsea transfer

14 Jul 2026 07:59 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he wants to keep Enzo Fernandez at the club this summer following rumours that he could be sold for a fee of €140 million.

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The Argentina midfielder has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit in recent months and it’s understood that he is eager to leave the club in order to complete a blockbuster move to Real Madrid.

Current ETV

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€92.6M - €113.2M

However, interest from Los Blancos appears to have died down after Chelsea slapped a €140m price tag on his head and while Fernandez is expected to explore his options after the World Cup, it has been reported that he could be set to stay in west London this summer.

The 25-year-old’s current contract at Stamford Bridge isn’t due to expire until 2032 and after selling Andrey Santos to Manchester United in a deal worth €58m, Chelsea are understandably reluctant to lose Fernandez too.

Furthermore, Alonso, who took charge of his first pre-season training session at Cobham last week, has revealed that he has held talks with Fernandez ahead of the Argentine’s return to Chelsea after the World Cup.

“Yes, we have spoken but as you can understand what we have spoken remains private,” Alonso told reporters during his first press conference as Chelsea manager on Monday.

When pressed on whether he wants to keep Fernandez at the club, Alonso simply replied: “Yes.”

Xabi Alonso reveals Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson plans

Meanwhile, Alonso has revealed that Alejandro Garnacho is expected to leave Chelsea on a permanent deal this summer, with all parties currently working on a transfer for the €50m-rated winger.

“Well the situation, we have spoken with the sports directors and there is an interest from him, from other clubs, so let's see how it develops,” the Spaniard said about Garnacho.

“But hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all the parties.”

However, Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich following a bust-up with former boss Enzo Maresca, is set to return to the fold at Stamford Bridge, despite rumours suggesting that he could be sold permanently.

When asked about the Senegal striker, Alonso said: “He is joining in the tour that we are starting in Asia and I am looking forward to start with Nico at that time.”

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