Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has provided clarity on the future of one Blues player, who did not find a move away from the club in the summer transfer window
Xabi Alonso in training
Xabi Alonso has given his verdict on Kendry Paez(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Xabi Alonso has revealed that Kendry Paez will not be involved in Chelsea's first team plans this season after the youngster failed to secure a move away from the club during the transfer window. Paez's future was thrust into doubt after his loan to River Plate was cancelled at the end of last month.
Paez, 19, was unable to make an impression in Argentina, making just 10 appearances after joining the club in January. The midfielder made the move after Chelsea chose to end his time with Strasbourg, where he played 21 times in the first half of last term.
This marks his second season as a Chelsea player, though he has yet to feature for the Blues, after the west London side agreed a deal with Independiente del Valle in 2023. Chelsea secured a £17.3million deal for Paez's services, but he had to wait until he was 18 before he could officially make the move to the Premier League giants.
Despite his struggles, Paez has already earned 27 caps for Ecuador, including one at the World Cup over the summer. The Blues attempted to find the international star a loan in the Premier League or Championship but could not establish a suitable option.
Now, with Paez set to remain at Chelsea to work with Alonso and improve his standards, the Blues boss has made it clear this will be away from the first team.
"At the moment, he is not part of the first-team squad," the Spaniard said. Asked if there was a plan to integrate Paez before January, Alonso added: "No, no, he's not part of the plans."
Kendry Paez.
Kendry Paez is set to stay with Chelsea for now(Image: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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With Chelsea short in midfield, the Spaniard was asked if the club had looked into the free agent market amid rumours of Yves Bissouma and Renato Sanches as possible signings.
"No," said the Spaniard before adding: "Well, we have looked. But no."
Against Arsenal, Chelsea saw Reece James and Malo Gusto utilised in midfield, players more readily identified as full-backs. With Moises Caicedo out injured, a greater degree of pressure has been placed on the position.
Alonso is being cautious over Caicedo's return after admitting he perhaps should not have featured in the clash against Fulham, where he suffered a calf issue.
"He has a problem in his calf," explained Alonso. "It was the same that he had before Brighton.
"I wanted to have Moi. Probably it was my mistake to push him too early, so that's why I’m cautious now not to make the same mistake."