By Adegboyega Adeleye

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed he wants Enzo Fernández to remain at Stamford Bridge, insisting he has already held private talks with the Argentina midfielder amid continued speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Speaking at his first press conference since taking charge on Monday, Alonso gave a clear response when asked if he wanted Fernandez to stay.

“Yes,” Alonso said. “We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private.”

Fernandez, who is currently on international duty with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer. Reports suggested Real Madrid were interested in signing the 25-year-old, although the Spanish giants denied pursuing a deal last week, leaving the midfielder with no confirmed destination and Chelsea maintaining a reported £120 million valuation.

Alonso’s comments are the clearest indication yet that he sees the World Cup winner as a key part of his plans as he begins his reign at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard also confirmed striker Nicolas Jackson will return to Chelsea’s squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia after Bayern Munich decided against making his loan move permanent.

“Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us,” Alonso said.

On Alejandro Garnacho, Alonso disclosed that the winger has not returned to first-team training because there is an agreement for him to stay away while he explores a transfer, with Serie A side Roma among the clubs interested.

“There is interest in him from other clubs. Hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for everyone,” he added.

Looking ahead to his first season in charge, Alonso said his immediate objective is to guide Chelsea back into European competition, adding that he is excited by the club’s potential.

“I want to enjoy it, be part of this club and work with the sporting directors. It is a club with great potential. We need to make the right decisions, but we have a strong base to build on. We need to build on this foundation to be successful on the pitch,” he said.

According to the BBC, Alonso officially began work as Chelsea manager last week after leaving Real Madrid in January and has already started shaping his squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.