Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has declined to guarantee that Enzo Fernández will remain at the club, despite insisting the midfielder is a "Chelsea player" ahead of the new Premier League season. The uncertainty matters because it leaves open the possibility of a significant departure just before the transfer window closes, with Manchester City weighing up a move for the Argentina international as part of their midfield rebuild following Rodri's exit to Barcelona.

Chelsea's unofficial £120m deadline for written bids has already passed, but the club knows the situation remains fluid, and Fernández, valued at £106.7m, has made clear he wants to leave. Alonso would only say the player is training well and preparing for Monday's Premier League opener at Fulham, without confirming whether Fernández has told him he intends to stay. Chelsea have identified Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton as potential replacements, though a bid for Scott has already failed and Bournemouth are resisting a sale, while City have also had an offer for Wharton rejected. Alonso is separately looking to trim his squad, with Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu expected to leave amid interest from several clubs.