Enzo Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho could both leave Chelsea this summer, with new Blues manager Xabi Alonso making his position on them clear.
Enzo Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho could leave Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho is free to leave Chelsea this summer after negotiating to keep Enzo Fernandes. Both Argentinian duo have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Fernandes, 25, has been linked with Real Madrid this summer, with reports suggesting the Argentine is open to a move. The Spanish giants quickly clarified their position and confirmed that they are not moving to sign him.
In any case, that does not allay speculation that Fernandes could be on the move before the start of next season. Meanwhile, Chelsea are reported to be willing to let Garnacho go, just one year after signing him from Manchester United for £40 million.
Chelsea’s new manager Alonso has confirmed that officials are in talks about potentially facilitating the forward’s departure. He said at his inaugural press conference: “The situation is that we are talking to the sporting directors.
“There is interest in him (Garnacho) from other clubs, so we’ll see how this develops. But I hope it ends in the best possible way for other clubs.”
And while it looks like Garanacho could leave, Alonso admitted he wants to keep Fernandes at Chelsea after holding one-on-one negotiations with the midfielder.
The former Liverpool star said: “We have spoken but it remains private.” When asked if he wanted Fernandes to stay, Alonso simply replied: “Yes.”
Fernandes joined Chelsea from Portuguese giants Benfica in 2023 for £106 million and has made 169 appearances, scoring 31 goals, 15 of which came last season. The midfielder has yet to return to west London for the World Cup and is part of the Argentina team that will face England in the semi-finals.
Xabi Alonso reveals the future of several Chelsea stars (Image: Getty Images)
Asked how he planned to react to his late return, Alonso said: “It was already planned. It’s not a big surprise that some players are still there. They’ve had an unforgettable experience so I’m happy for them.”
“In the end, hopefully there will be one champion and we can celebrate. We will have to be flexible and accelerate our preparations with some players.”
Another player who is certain to remain at Stamford Bridge alongside Fernandes is Cole Palmer. The England star has been a shining light for the Blues in recent seasons and Alonso continues to praise his new playmaker.
“We’ve already trained a few times. From the first day you can see that he (Palmer) has a special talent. It’s not easy to get that talent, but you notice his quality, the way he wants to play, his determination. I’m glad he came in a good mood and with a good frame of mind to have a great season. We’re looking forward to getting the best out of him. He’s going to be a key player.”
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