Chelsea: Xabi Alonso issues Enzo Fernandez future update as Man City 'prepare bid' | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca’s side set to flaunt imposed deadline and lodge huge offer for Argentine midfielder

Xabi Alonso has refused to confirm whether Enzo Fernandez has told him he wants to stay at Chelsea this season.

Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer and has been the subject of interest from Manchester City.

In a bid not to disrupt Alonso’s preparations for the new season, Chelsea imposed a deadline for clubs to meet their £120million valuation of Fernandez, which passed last Friday evening.

The Premier League transfer deadline does not close for another 11 days, however, and reports suggest Man City are still expected to test Chelsea’s resolve before the end of the window.

Fernandez returned to training 10 days ago after taking extended leave following the World Cup, and Alonso says he expects him to be part of his squad for Monday’s Premier League opener away to Fulham.

“Enzo is a Chelsea player. He is a top, top player. He's training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated, and we are happy with him and he's getting ready for Monday,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon

Fernandez enjoyed an impressive personal campaign in what was a difficult season for Chelsea, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions for the west London club.

He is also viewed as an integral part of Alonso’s plans for this season, and is part of the leadership group heading behind captain Reece James.

But when asked whether Fernandez had personally told him he wanted to stay, Alonso neglected to answer and instead praised the 25-year-old’s attitude since returning to training.

“He is training really well, and I see him with a good attitude, and that's what we want, that everyone is trying their best to prepare for the kick-off of the Premier League.”