Alonso addresses two Chelsea transfer rumors amid reports of two major deals before the summer transfer window closes.
On 28 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso spoke after the Carabao Cup 2026-27 second-round match, where Chelsea hosted and defeated Luton Town of League One 2-0 as expected. Chelsea advanced to the third round to face Premier League side Leeds United in a match scheduled between 7-14 Sep 2026 GMT+7.
However, Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez was not even on Chelsea's bench in this game amid reports that he is set to move to Manchester City, where former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca is currently in charge. Fernandez reportedly agreed personally but the two clubs have not yet finalized terms.
Enzo Fernandez was substituted on during the second half of Chelsea's opening Premier League match of the 2026-27 season, a 3-2 away win over Fulham on Monday, 24 Aug 2026 GMT+7. Before the Carabao Cup second round, Alonso said Fernandez was ready to play, but ultimately he was omitted from the squad.
When asked about Enzo Fernandez potentially moving from Chelsea to Manchester City before the summer transfer window closes on 1 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Xabi Alonso replied, "No one knows."
"In football, surprises and changes always happen. We must be prepared. We are patient and well-prepared," he added.
Regarding reports that Chelsea had reached an agreement to sign Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine goalkeeper and 2022 World Cup winner from Aston Villa for £7.5 million, Xabi Alonso said, "No. There are always many rumors and talks about players during the summer, but I prefer not to comment on players who are not part of my squad."
When further asked if Emiliano Martinez was the type of goalkeeper he wanted to bring in, following calls to find a replacement for Robert Sanchez who recently made costly errors in the win over Fulham, Chelsea's coach said, "I prefer to talk about the players in my team."