Xabi Alonso Confirms Enzo Fernandez's Role Amid Manchester City's £120 Million Transfer Interest

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea’s manager, expects Enzo Fernandez to play in their Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town on Thursday. This comes despite ongoing rumors about a last-minute £120 million transfer offer from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Fernandez has been linked strongly with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer. Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is eager to secure the midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea's Midfield Plans and Fernandez's Status

Although Manchester City missed an informal deadline set by Chelsea earlier this month, they are reportedly preparing another bid as the deadline approaches on September 1. Fernandez, valued around £120 million, remains a key figure at Stamford Bridge this season.

He came off the bench during Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday. Regarding his participation, Alonso stated:

"Yes, so we expect that he’s involved. He has trained, he’s training really well, he’s a good professional and he will be involved."

Despite some booing from fans during pre-season due to his controversial role in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England, Fernandez received warm applause when substituted into the Fulham match.

Will Chelsea Keep Fernandez?

When asked if he wants to keep Fernandez, Alonso acknowledged the need for careful evaluation of the situation:

"We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let’s see how things develop."

Manchester City is expected to present a new offer before the September deadline.

Possible Midfield Replacements if Fernandez Leaves

Should Fernandez depart, Chelsea are considering returning to Bournemouth for Alex Scott. Although Bournemouth has so far rejected interest, it's believed that an offer above £80 million, closer to £90 million, might prompt reconsideration.

Alonso remained non-committal about whether selling Fernandez depends on securing a replacement:

"It is always about understanding the context, the situation, timings, circumstances, so there is not a defined rule for everything. You need to know how things have worked, what you want, what you want for the future, so I don’t have the rules in stone. We need to assess each situation."

Upcoming Fixtures and Transfer Race

Chelsea's immediate focus is on the Carabao Cup tie versus Luton Town, where Fernandez is expected to play. Afterward, Alonso’s squad will prepare for important Premier League matches.

Meanwhile, Manchester City faces a tight deadline to finalize a deal for Fernandez before the transfer window shuts next week.

• Carabao Cup: Chelsea vs. Luton Town – 27 Aug 2026, 20:30
• Premier League: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City – 28 Aug 2026, 21:00