Chelsea continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a win over Brighton - but there could be major changes to the squad ahead of Tuesday's deadline
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Xabi Alonso manager/head coach of Chelsea instructs Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has hinted that Enzo Fernandez could leave Chelsea in the next 48 hours(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has shown the exit door to Enzo Fernandez - and admitted Pedro Neto could still leave too.
Argentina midfielder Fernandez is desperate to join Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline and was left out of Chelsea ’s squad again for their win over Brighton.
City are lining up a £130m British record deal and Alonso admitted he made the decision because it was “best for the team.”
Alonso also left the door open for Neto to go before Tuesday’s deadline as the Portugal winger has been attracting interest with Liverpool, one of the teams linked with him.
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Chelsea expect more arrivals before the window - they have been linked with Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara - and Fernandez appears to be on his way out as long as the money is right and the Blues sign a replacement.
Chelsea boss Alonso said: “We'll see. We want the best for the team and that's why we made the decision against Luton and today and anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop.
“We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”
Neto is also an interesting story for Chelsea because the winger is playing as a wing back and his future looks uncertain - but equally he played well against Brighton and could stay.
Alonso has admitted that Pedro Neto could still leave before the window closes
Alonso has admitted that Pedro Neto could still leave before the window closes
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But asked whether he could guarantee Neto would stay, Alonso said: “No, in football I don't guarantee anything, not anyone. But I was very happy with Pedro. He did really well, he played with a lot of energy.
“He is going to be very important for the team for the whole season because he has different special qualities. He is a threat in one-v-one, he attacks very well in the space, he is strong, he is competitive.
“I am happy that he scored, he was really close to scoring another one. I am very happy with Pedro.”
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