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Xabi Alonso refused to guarantee that Enzo Fernandez will be staying this summer – but believes he can overcome the Chelsea boo-boys if he does not depart for Manchester City.

Fernandez received a mixed reaction in their final friendly at Stamford Bridge before the Premier League begins. The 25-year-old Argentinian replaced Reece James against Real Sociedad – and took the captain’s armband – as he was both jeered and cheered by his own fans.

Speaking on the eve of the 2026-27 season starting, and with Chelsea away at Fulham on Monday, Alonso said: 'It's not unusual. It can happen. We support him. We have a great player with Enzo, a top player, so important. I am happy that when I see him training, you see that he has a competitive mentality. We work with him every day very well.’

Alonso also hinted Fernandez would remain his vice-captain under James. Asked if he can see Chelsea’s supporters getting behind the midfielder, Alonso added: ‘I’m sure it will happen because this is a normal situation in football. Once we start the competition, we need the support.

‘We need the full commitment of all the team and of all the supporters when they come to Stamford Bridge. That we are pushing in the same direction.’

Xabi Alonso has refused to be drawn on whether Enzo Fernandez will be a Chelsea player when the transfer window closes

City's interest in Fernandez has been no secret this summer, though the side managed by Enzo Maresca have yet to submit a formal offer for the Argentina international. Chelsea were previously asking for £120million, but the Blues say those terms expired with the deadline they set for bids last Friday. City could be quoted a higher asking price if they sought one now.

Alonso dodged answering any and all questions about whether Fernandez would be staying with Chelsea at his pre-Fulham press conference, choosing instead to highlight how well he is training.

‘Enzo is a Chelsea player,’ Alonso said when asked directly if Fernandez would still be with Chelsea beyond deadline day. ‘He's a top, top player. He's training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated. We are happy with him and he's getting ready for Monday.

‘He's training really well. I see him with a good attitude. That's what we want. He’s a player, he’s training well, he’s preparing for Monday and that’s my concern at the moment.’

Fernandez was previously used as a No 10 at Chelsea, though Alonso did hint he sees him in a deeper role rather than competing with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

‘He can do both,’ Alonso said. ‘I think when he's with the ball, he has the qualities to link the short passes but the long ones as well. He's able to see short and the farther players and from there he can progress. But he’s played great as a No 10 as well.’