Enzo Fernandez swap deal? Alonso in contact with Real Madrid superstar

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Real Madrid superstar Arda Guler has admitted that he remains in contact with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will begin his duties at Stamford Bridge on 1 July.

Alonso, 44, spent eight months as Real Madrid boss before his departure by mutual consent in January and he played a key role in the development of Guler, who had struggled to break into the Los Blancos starting XI during his debut season at the Bernabeu.

The Turkey international started just 15 matches across La Liga and the Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti in 2024-25, but he was immediately handed a prominent role by Alonso, starting five of Real Madrid’s six matches at last summer’s Club World Cup.

The 21-year-old continued his fine form into the 2025-26 season and he ended the campaign with 20 goal contributions in 51 matches across all competitions, including a stunning brace versus Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Guler had been heavily linked with a Real Madrid exit before the appointment of Alonso last May, and rumours of a bombshell summer move to Chelsea have emerged in the Spanish press as a result of his strong relationship with the ex-Los Blancos boss.

Following Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid in January, Guler posted on Instagram: “Mr. Xabi Alonso, Thank you for believing and trusting in me from the first day.

“Every conversation, every detail, every demand helped shape my game and push me to a higher level. I’m truly grateful for everything you added to my journey. Your faith in me made me a better player. Wishing you and your staff nothing but success in what comes next. Your impact will always stay with me.”

The Turkey starlet has now provided another update on his connection with Alonso during an interview with TRT Spor. “The truth is that we had a brilliant relationship,” Guler said.

“I felt as though he’d handed me the keys. It was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. Now he’s signed for Chelsea. I hope everything goes well for him. Of course, we’re still messaging each other.”

While it’s not unusual for a player to remain in contact with a favoured former manager, Guler’s relationship with Alonso could help Chelsea lure him to Stamford Bridge this summer, especially as Enzo Fernandez could be set to move in the opposite direction.

Enzo Fernandez-Arda Guler swap deal?

Enzo Fernandez has been one of Chelsea’s best players since his arrival from Benfica in January 2023, but he officially wants to leave the club this summer following their failure to secure European football this season.

The Argentina midfielder has set his sights on completing a move to Real Madrid before the 2026-27 campaign kicks off and it’s understood that he is admired by Los Blancos president Florentino Perez, who is eager to back incoming new manager Jose Mourinho in the transfer market.

However, Chelsea have set their asking price for Fernandez at just shy of €140m and it’s unlikely that Real Madrid will be able to match that valuation given he would become their most expensive signing in history if he arrives for that fee.

As a result, a player-plus-cash swap deal could potentially be on the cards, and Guler would be an ideal candidate to join Chelsea given his relationship with Alonso and the fact that his place at Real Madrid may be in doubt if Nico Paz rejoins the club from Como this summer.