Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has once again declined to give a straight answer on Enzo Fernandez’s future, with the Argentine midfielder’s proposed move to Manchester City still unresolved as the transfer deadline nears.

Speaking to reporters, Alonso stopped short of confirming whether Fernandez had told him he wanted to stay at Stamford Bridge amid the ongoing speculation.

Reports suggest Chelsea had given Manchester City a deadline to meet their £120 million valuation of the player, though City reportedly did not submit a bid despite their known interest, with the club now managed by former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

The uncertainty hasn’t gone unnoticed by supporters. Fernandez was jeered by sections of the Chelsea crowd during a pre-season friendly, and his name drew scattered boos when read out over the tannoy before kickoff.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then British-record fee, and remains contracted to the club for years to come.

Despite that, questions over his commitment have persisted throughout the window.

With the transfer deadline set for 1 September, just under two weeks away at the time of Alonso’s comments, both club and player face a tense final stretch.

Alonso, who took charge following a brief spell at Real Madrid, is now tasked with steadying a squad still finding its footing under new management with Fernandez’s situation one of the more pressing subplots as the window winds down.