Alonso confirms Enzo Fernandez talks but hints Garnacho could leave Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has confirmed he has spoken with Enzo Fernandez since Real Madrid publicly denied interest in the Chelsea midfielder, though the new Blues boss declined to reveal the details of their conversation at his Stamford Bridge unveiling press conference.

Fernandez, 25, has been away at the World Cup with Argentina and has yet to meet Alonso face-to-face. The midfielder was internally suspended for two games under previous caretaker Liam Rosenior after expressing a desire to join Real Madrid in April. Madrid subsequently issued an extraordinary statement shutting down reports linking Fernandez with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Yes, we have spoken, but as you can understand, what we have spoken remains private,” Alonso said. “But yes, we have spoken.” When asked directly whether he wanted to keep Fernandez next season, the manager replied simply: “Yes.”

Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea — the club that sacked him from Real Madrid in January — has already coincided with significant squad movement. Left-back Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid for an initial £47.4m, while midfielder Andrey Santos departed on Monday for £48m to join Premier League rivals Manchester United.

A further exit may be imminent. Alejandro Garnacho, Fernandez’s Argentine compatriot, was absent from Alonso’s first training session, and the manager confirmed the winger has attracted outside interest.

“The situation is that we have spoken with the sport directors and there’s an interest for him from other clubs,” Alonso said. “Let’s see how it develops, but hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all the parties.”

On a more positive note, striker Nicolas Jackson has returned from his loan spell at Bayern Munich and will travel with the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia. “He’s joining in the tour that we are starting in Asia, and we’re looking forward to start with Nico at that time,” Alonso added, indicating the Senegal international will be given the opportunity to impress under the new regime.