Enzo Fernandez was left out for Chelsea's win over Luton as Xabi Alonso was quizzed on his midfielder, who remains heavily linked with a move to Manchester City
Enzo Fernandez remains strongly linked with a Chelsea exit
Enzo Fernandez remains strongly linked with a Chelsea exit
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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso claimed that Enzo Fernandez's snub on Thursday night was purely to give other players minutes and the Manchester City target remains a "good professional".
The Argentine is heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit and City appear his only possible destination. Fernandez was left on the bench for Alonso's first win, that coming in the Premier League on Monday night, and the midfielder was overlooked entirely against Luton.
Fernandez has been a regular for the Blues since joining but flirted with a move to Real Madrid last season, which saw him suspended for two games. Los Blancos have come out and admitted they don't want to sign the Argentine, but City retain an interest.
Their new boss Enzo Maresca has a good relationship with Fernandez having managed him at Chelsea and while their £120m valuation could block a deal, a bid is expected before the window closes on Tuesday. Nevertheless, Alonso has twice now opted against starting with the 25-year-old.
He said after their win on Thursday: "It was a decision from myself and from the club. We had other players that needed minutes and it was that way. It's a decision that I took. He's a good professional. He's training well. I have nothing to say about him. It was just a decision that we had to take, thinking about the game that we're playing tonight and we'll see for ( Brighton on) Sunday."
Chelsea had previously imposed a deadline for City should they want to bid for Fernandez, that has since passed, but the Manchester club could still make a late play for him as they completely overhaul their midfield.
This summer they have allowed Rodri to leave for Barcelona after he entered the final year of his deal. Bernardo Silva left on a free whilst Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez have been sold for a combined £100m.
Xabi Alonso could still lose his midfielder before the transfer window closes
Xabi Alonso could still lose his midfielder before the transfer window closes
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In response City have spent a club record fee on Elliot Anderson, who has slipped straight into the team. This week those at the Etihad landed the signing of Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi - he joined from Lille in a deal worth £86.
Any move for Fernandez could see their spend on new midfielders hit the £300m mark given Chelsea's valuation of the player. He moved from Benfica in January 2023 for £106m and the west Londoners will be determined to secure a profit on him, even if he is pushing for a move away.
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