Ahanor, Fernandez, Neto: Xabi Alonso Offers Chelsea Update As £40m Pre-Agreement Struck | OneFootball

Ahanor, Fernandez, Neto: Xabi Alonso Offers Chelsea Update As £40m Pre-Agreement Struck | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Absolute Chelsea

Absolute Chelsea

·31 August 2026

Ahanor, Fernandez, Neto: Xabi Alonso Offers Chelsea Update As £40m Pre-Agreement Struck

Article image:Ahanor, Fernandez, Neto: Xabi Alonso Offers Chelsea Update As £40m Pre-Agreement Struck

Chelsea moved quickly to sign Emi Martinez from Aston Villa.


OneFootball Videos


It's set to be a busy end to the summer transfer window for Chelsea as their attention shifts to finalising incomings and departures before the 11pm (UK) deadline on Tuesday, September 1.

The latest arrival, Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, was confirmed on Sunday as Chelsea strengthened their goalkeeper position. Martinez made his debut immediately in the 4-3 win against Brighton and Hove Albion.

But there are plenty of other futures still up in the air, with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo and Mykhailo Mudryk expected to depart before the deadline.

The dominant story is Enzo Fernandez's future. With Chelsea's asking price in excess of £120 million, it remains unclear whether the Argentine will remain or if a club will meet the Blues' demands to complete a sale.

Here are the latest developments on Chelsea's deal for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, as well as the future of Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto.

Chelsea have agreed a deal for Honest Ahanor from Atalanta, but it won't officially happen this summer.

A plan was in place to loan the 18-year-old out for the season before linking up with the Blues next summer. However, his temporary destination has been revealed, which means Chelsea have had to get creative.

Ahanor is set to join Crystal Palace on a season-long loan. But he will join on loan from Atalanta and then sign for Chelsea permanently once the 2026/27 season concludes.

This looks set to be down to Chelsea already loaning Axel Disasi to Crystal Palace, which means they have had to find another way round to ensure the Eagles can sign the teenager.

A deal in the region of £40m has been agreed between Chelsea and Atalanta.

Enzo Fernandez future update after Brighton absence

After talks were held with Alonso before the Luton Town victory last Thursday, Fernandez was left out as uncertainty continues over his future amid interest from Manchester City, who the Argentine is keen to join to reunite with Enzo Maresca.

Alonso was quizzed post-match about Fernandez's future, replying: "We'll see. We want the best for the team and that's why we made the decision against Luton and today and anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop.

"We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games."

Pedro Neto got on the scoresheet for Chelsea against Brighton, impressing in the wing-back role Alonso has decided to deploy him in so far this season.

The Portugal international has been linked with a move away this summer. Chelsea value Neto at around £100m but aren't pushing for his departure. However, they don't consider him untouchable and therefore would consider offers if their valuation is met.

Tottenham have been linked, while Al Hilal look set to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal despite interest in Neto over the summer.

Ahead of Tuesday's deadline, Alonso couldn't guarantee a decision on Neto's future, but hinted he could stay, stressing Neto's importance to the team this season.

"No, in football I don't guarantee anything, not anyone," replied Alonso. "But I was very happy with Pedro. He did really well, he played with a lot of energy.

"He is going to be very important for the team for the whole season because he has different special qualities. He is a threat in one-v-one, he attacks very well in the space, he is strong, he is competitive. I am happy that he scored, he was really close to scoring another one. I am very happy with Pedro."

View publisher imprint