Alonso drops Garnacho bombshell after confirming Fernandez transfer stance

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Xabi Alonso has confirmed that

Alejandro Garnacho

is free to leave

Chelsea

this summer after holding talks to keep

Enzo Fernandez

. The Argentinian duo have both been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez, 25, has been linked with

Real Madrid

this summer, with reports suggesting that the Argentine was open to a move. The Spanish giants quickly clarified their position and

confirmed that they had not made a move to sign him.

Regardless, that has not calmed suggestions that Fernandez could be on the move before the start of next season. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Chelsea would be happy to sell Garnacho just a year after signing him for £40million from

Manchester United

.

New Chelsea boss

Alonso

has confirmed that the relevant parties are in discussions to potentially facilitate an exit for the forward. Speaking in his introductory press conference, he said: "Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors.

“There is an interest for him [Garnacho] from other clubs. So let's see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for other clubs."

And while it appears that Garanacho can leave, Alonso has confirmed that he remains keen to keep Fernandez at Chelsea after holding one-to-one talks with the midfielder.

The former

Liverpool

star said: "We have spoken, but that remains private." Asked further if he wants Fernandez to stay, Alonso simply replied: “Yes.”

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Portuguese giants Benfica for £106m back in 2023 and he has gone on to make 169 appearances and scored 31 goals - 15 of which came last season. The midfielder has yet to return to West London due to his commitments at the World Cup and is part of an

Argentina

side who will face England in the semi finals.

Asked how he plans to facilitate for some late returns, Alonso said: "It was already a plan. It's not a big surprise we have some players still there. I'm happy for them, because they are having an unforgettable experience.

“At the end, hopefully we will have one champion and we will celebrate. We have to be flexible and we'll have to speed up the preparation with some players."

Another player that looks sure to remain at Stamford Bridge alongside Fernandez is

Cole Palmer

. The England star has been a shining light for the Blues over the past couple of seasons and Alonso has been full of praise for his new playmaker.

He said: "We have had a few training sessions already. From the first day you can see he [Palmer] is a special talent. It's not easy to have one of those, you notice his quality and how he wants to play, his decisions. I'm happy that he comes in a good mood, with a good mindset to have a great season, we are looking forward to getting the best out of him. He will be a key player."