Xabi Alonso has named his Chelsea line-up for his Premier League managerial debut against Fulham this evening and the Spaniard has made a big decision regarding Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez could leave Chelsea before next week's transfer deadline(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Enzo Fernandez is named among the substitutes for Chelsea's opening match of the Premier League season against Fulham.
Morgan Rogers and Reece James are notably in the starting line-up, unlike the Argentina international, despite also being at this summer's World Cup with England until its final weekend. Fernandez does not feature from the start despite Moises Caicedo being absent from the matchday squad.
Summer signings Maxence Lacroix and Rogers will make their debuts, but Marco Palestra is not in the matchday squad despite being at Craven Cottage.
Fernandez has been strongly linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge this summer with Manchester City, sources say, retaining an interest in the midfielder. Chelsea sources are relaxed about the 25-year-old's situation and have been all summer-long.
The Blues set their Premier League rivals, and any other potential suitors, an unofficial deadline for Fernandez earlier this month. Chelsea told interested parties that they could get the Argentina international for £120million if they were to cough up the money before August 14, 5pm, but City did not make an official approach.
Sources insist the £120m terms and conditions are now off the table. If City are to move for Fernandez between now and next week's transfer deadline, Chelsea will demand considerably more than their original price tag.
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