Enzo Fernandez's Future at Chelsea: Xabi Alonso's Confidence

Enzo Fernandez has returned to Chelsea with what Xabi Alonso calls a “really good attitude” as the midfielder’s future continues to swirl around the transfer market.

Chelsea struck an agreement with Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, in late May, giving the Argentina international permission to leave for £120m. One condition: any move had to be wrapped up by 14 August.

That date has come and gone. No formal bid arrived.

The response from Stamford Bridge has been firm. Chelsea have now informed Fernandez’s camp that he is not for sale in this window, shutting the door on late opportunists and putting the focus back on the pitch.

Manchester City are not convinced the story is over. Managed by Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea, City remain keen and believe the London club would still be open to a deal at the right price. The champions see an opening. Chelsea insist there isn’t one.

Caught in the middle is the 25-year-old, back from his World Cup exploits and, according to his manager, fully locked in on the season ahead.

Asked on Thursday whether Fernandez would still be a Chelsea player when the window closes on 1 September, Alonso did not hesitate.

“Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him and he's getting ready for Monday,” he said, with the Premier League opener at Fulham looming.

Alonso stressed that Fernandez has “integrated really well” since rejoining the squad after the World Cup and is “training really well”. The message was clear: whatever is happening outside Cobham, inside the training ground the midfielder is on task.

“I see him with a really good attitude and that's what we want,” Alonso added.

The noise around a £120m move may linger, but as Chelsea head to Craven Cottage, Alonso is treating his World Cup winner as something far more valuable than a price tag: a central pillar of his midfield.