Alonso demands 'desire to play' as Chelsea weigh £120m Fernandez exit before deadline

Xabi Alonso has said he needs players who “feel a desire to play” for Chelsea, after Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for the club’s 2-0 Premier League win over Luton on Thursday — a result secured through Danny Welbeck’s home debut goal and an own goal from defender Hakeem Odoffin.

Alonso dismissed reports from Argentina suggesting Fernandez had asked not to be involved, insisting the decision was mutual. “We talked, and we decided that it was better not to be part of the squad,” the Chelsea head coach said ahead of Sunday’s home fixture against Brighton. “He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about that.”

The situation has intensified speculation over a potential move to Manchester City, though it is understood no formal contact has been made by the Premier League champions. Chelsea’s original £120m asking price — set in May after Fernandez told the club he wanted to leave — is no longer considered a firm figure following the expiry of an internal deadline on 13 August.

Chelsea believe market valuations have shifted upward after a series of high-profile deals, including Liverpool’s reported £120m agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola. The club now expect any late bid to exceed that earlier valuation.

The primary obstacle to a sale remains timing. With Tuesday’s transfer deadline approaching, Chelsea would have minimal opportunity to source a replacement and could face inflated fees from selling clubs — a factor understood to be pushing their price higher should City formalise their interest.

Alonso was characteristically measured when asked whether Chelsea would move for a replacement if Fernandez departs. “We have to be ready always,” he said.

The window has already seen significant movement at Stamford Bridge. Defender Mamadou Sarr joined Real Sociedad on loan, while Liam Delap was sold to Nottingham Forest for £50m on Thursday. Alonso, who had previously called for a drastic reduction in squad size, suggested the club’s restructuring plan is nearing completion.

“We are quite close to the plan that we had,” he said. “We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are some things still to be done. But overall the balance of what we have is going to be good.”