Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso says he is happy with Enzo Fernandez's attitude and application, even as uncertainty continues over the midfielder's future. Chelsea had told Fernandez's representatives he could leave for £120m if a bid arrived by 14 August, but with that deadline passing without a formal offer, the club have said he is not for sale this window, despite Manchester City's interest and reports that Chelsea remain privately open to a sale.

Fernandez, who joined from Benfica for £107m in 2023, failed in an earlier attempt to engineer a move to Real Madrid this summer and has faced a mixed reception from Chelsea supporters, including jeers during a recent friendly against Real Sociedad. Manchester City, managed by his former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, are also pursuing an £85m deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi and want a Fernandez signing to replace departed midfielders Rodri and Bernardo Silva. Chelsea have reportedly enlisted agent Jorge Mendes to help resolve the situation, but Alonso says Fernandez has integrated well and is preparing to face Fulham on Monday, when the transfer window closes on 1 September.