Xabi Alonso tells Chelsea to sign £77m Man Utd target after the World Cup

By William Martinez | July 6, 2026 | Updated: July 6, 2026 | 5 min read | 0 Comments

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Xabi Alonso tells Chelsea to sign £77m Man Utd target after the World Cup

Xabi Alonso tells Chelsea to sign 77m – Following the conclusion of the World Cup, Xabi Alonso has advised Chelsea to pursue Manchester United’s high-profile midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, contingent upon Enzo Fernandez leaving the club. Alonso, now in his role as Chelsea’s new manager, emphasized the importance of securing Tchouameni if Fernandez’s departure becomes inevitable, citing the Frenchman’s potential as a critical asset for the west London side.

Fernandez’s Situation

Enzo Fernandez, the 25-year-old Argentine playmaker, remains determined to exit Chelsea, despite the club’s steadfast stance on his contract. Bound to the team for another five years, Fernandez is reportedly seeking a transfer following a challenging campaign that left the squad in a weakened position. His agent has reiterated that the player is still open to exploring options, with the search for a new club intensifying throughout the season.

While Real Madrid had once seemed like a logical destination for Fernandez, the dream transfer now appears less certain. Alonso, who previously managed Real Madrid, has positioned himself as a key figure in Chelsea’s transfer strategy, leveraging his connections to influence the club’s decisions. His directive to target Tchouameni underscores the competitive nature of the midfield market and Chelsea’s ambition to bolster their squad with top-tier talent.

World Cup Context

Alonso’s remarks come amid the backdrop of the World Cup, where Fernandez has been instrumental in Argentina’s campaign. The midfielder’s focus on the national team has been a priority, as he prepares to face the round of 16. According to Javier Pastore, who spoke on behalf of the player’s camp, Fernandez is currently “calmly focusing on the national team,” with no immediate signs of his desire to leave. However, the agent has hinted that the player’s interest in a move may resurface once the tournament concludes.

“At the moment, the player is calmly focusing on the national team,” said Javier Pastore. “He’s playing in a World Cup and is very close to reaching the round of 16. He’s thinking only about that, whilst we’re looking at options for him to leave Chelsea, but there’s nothing definite or confirmed with any club.”

Pastore’s comments highlight the delicate balance between a player’s professional ambitions and the demands of international competition. While Fernandez’s commitment to Argentina is evident, the possibility of a transfer remains on the table, particularly if the club’s financial demands for his departure are met by a new contender in the market.

Alonso’s Strategy

Alonso’s interest in Tchouameni is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Chelsea’s midfield. The Spanish outlet SPORT reported that the former Real Madrid manager has warned Chelsea’s hierarchy not to let Fernandez go, especially after witnessing the departure of Marc Cucurella to Madrid for £52m. Cucurella’s move, which followed Fernandez’s example, has left Alonso concerned about the potential loss of another key player.

Despite Cucurella’s exit, Alonso is reportedly looking to bring back Alvaro Carreras, his former Real Madrid left-back, to fill the void. However, his new focus on Tchouameni suggests a shift in priorities, as the Frenchman’s talent and reputation make him an attractive option for clubs seeking midfield reinforcement. Mourinho, Real Madrid’s new manager, is also eager to secure Fernandez, but Chelsea’s asking price of around £120m remains a significant hurdle.

Tchouameni’s Market

Aurelien Tchouameni, currently representing France in the World Cup, has been a focal point of several rumors this summer. His stock has dipped slightly in recent years, yet his performance in the tournament has reignited interest in his services. Manchester United, in search of a midfield upgrade for Michael Carrick, are believed to be closely monitoring the situation, with Tchouameni’s availability being a game-changer for their transfer plans.

Real Madrid, though reluctant to part with Tchouameni, are said to be open to a deal if it involves the acquisition of Fernandez. The club’s potential asking price of 90m euros (£77m) for the midfielder would be a substantial sum, but it could provide the necessary financial flexibility to retain key players. Alonso’s directive to Chelsea aligns with this dynamic, positioning Tchouameni as a critical target for the club’s next phase of development.

Market Predictions

Rio Ferdinand, a former United defender, has weighed in on the transfer market, predicting that Tchouameni’s arrival at Old Trafford is a near certainty. Ferdinand highlighted the club’s clear stance on not overpaying for players they don’t feel are essential, noting that Tchouameni is the priority in their strategy. “I’ve woke up to the news that Fernandes from West Ham could be going to Spurs, 80, 80 million, huge money, it’s thrown me,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “I think Manchester United and Arsenal have made it very clear, they have a stance in this window, they’re not going to overpay for people who they don’t feel they should.”

“You know what, I’m going to put my neck on the line, I think Man United are holding up their money, they’re holding the money back for one man and that’s Tchouameni. If he becomes available in this market, Man United are not going to miss, they can’t afford to miss that one. They may let another couple slip through the bag if the price isn’t right,” Ferdinand added.

Ferdinand’s insights shed light on the strategic thinking behind United’s approach to the transfer window. The club’s reluctance to splurge on high-profile signings, unless they are convinced of their necessity, has shaped their focus on Tchouameni. This aligns with Alonso’s push for the Frenchman, as Chelsea seeks to capitalize on the momentum from the World Cup and secure a high-impact midfielder.

Broader Implications

The potential transfer of Tchouameni to Manchester United could have far-reaching consequences for both clubs. For Chelsea, it represents an opportunity to acquire a proven performer, while for Real Madrid, it means accepting a significant loss in exchange for stabilizing their midfield. Alonso’s influence in the market, coupled with his experience at the Bernabeu, positions him as a pivotal figure in these negotiations.

As the summer transfer window progresses, the interplay between Alonso’s directives and Mourinho’s ambitions will be closely watched. The decision to sign Tchouameni or retain Fernandez could determine the trajectory of Chelsea’s season, while Real Madrid’s willingness to offload key players highlights their readiness to adapt to new challenges. With the World Cup having concluded, the focus now shifts to the next phase of footballing strategy, as clubs vie for the best talent available.