Florian Wirtz of Liverpool featuring in a Chelsea kit at Stamford Bridge, standing next to Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is a big admirer of Liverpool's Florian Wirtz.Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Florian Wirtz to Chelsea hinges on another deal, Xabi Alonso is 'huge' admirer

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20 Jun 2026, 1:56 pm

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Liverpool's Florian Wirtz but any potential deal would depend on Enzo Fernandez departing the club, Football Insider understands.

The Blues' No.8 is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after admitting earlier this year he could leave Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso is said to be a "huge"admirer of Anfield playmaker Wirtz, who he helped develop into one of the Bundesliga's outstanding players when he was in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

This comes after Football Insider revealed the transfer interest last month, also revealing that the Reds would be open to the right deal.

Now, sources believe that a deal is only feasible should Chelsea get Fernandez off the books this summer, with the club placing a £120m price tag on their prize asset.

Wirtz arrived on Merseyside on a £115m deal from Bayer Leverkusen exactly one year ago and suffered a mixed debut season.

He finished the 2025-26 season with seven goals and eight assists in 49 games but many supporters remain unconvinced due to his price tag and struggles to make an impact in big matches.

What's the latest on Enzo Fernandez?

The mutual respect between Alonso and Wirtz is a by-product of the successful spell the duo had together at Bayer Leverkusen, especially during their remarkable 2023-24 campaign.

However, with the deal ultimately relying on the sale of Fernandez, it could be a very tricky transfer for the new Chelsea boss to get over the line this summer.

Rumours surrounding the Argentine's future have been rife since he was punished during the season by Chelsea and ex-manager Liam Rosenior for speaking so openly and positively about Real Madrid.

New Real manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly made the creative midfielder a priority signing at the Bernabeu, having just signed Marc Cucurella from West London.

The main stumbling block is the valuation of Fernandez and any deal here would certainly impact potential Real improvements in other areas of their squad.

Chelsea set sights on Florian Wirtz as Liverpool transfer stance revealed

Sources: Chelsea's new Enzo Fernandez transfer plan revealed, Xabi Alonso has made up his mind

Who else could Chelsea sell to raise funds?

The Blues have already parted ways with Cucurella, though Stefan Borson told Football Insider that this could be down to financial restrictions.

With three years left on his contract, the full-back has joined Los Blancos before June has even ended, sparking debate over the reasoning behind the early deal.

If finances are behind it, there are a multitude of other players who could be sacrificed, such as Liam Delap, Andrey Santos, Marc Guiu and Jamie Gittens.

Delap is being heavily linked with a switch across the Premier League, with David Moyes' Everton one of multiple clubs linked with the former Ipswich Town man.

Alonso may need a clear-out at Stamford Bridge, including Fernandez, if the Blues are to afford the signing of Wirtz from Liverpool.

Real Madrid Club de Futbol