Alonso hints at Enzo Fernandez Chelsea exit after axing midfielder for second straight game

Xabi Alonso has indicated that Enzo Fernandez’s time at Chelsea may be coming to an end, saying it was ‘for the best’ to omit the midfielder from the squad for a second consecutive game, with Manchester City understood to be preparing a major bid before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Fernandez was absent for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town in midweek and again for the Premier League clash with Brighton at Stamford Bridge. When pressed on the decision, Alonso kept his answer brief: “We assess what’s best for the team. We need the team to be focused.”

Earlier in the week, the Chelsea head coach had been more expansive on the situation. “I have said we need the players that are in the best situation to play,” Alonso explained. “We need to take everything into consideration — players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me, it is very important that they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation.”

Asked directly whether Fernandez had lost that desire, Alonso said: “We talked, and we decided for [Luton] it was better not to be part of the squad. He is a top player.”

Fernandez, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 and has made 170 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals. He still has six years remaining on his contract, and Chelsea are reported to value him at around £120m. City have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the signings of Elliot Anderson and Ayoubb Bouaddi, but Fernandez is understood to represent a higher-profile target.

Alonso also hinted at a potential departure for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has lost his starting place to summer arrival Emi Martinez. “We will see,” the Chelsea boss said. “Sometimes you have to take tough decisions.”

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, suggested further arrivals could follow before the window closes. “We have experienced players, for sure we have leaders,” he said. “Now we need to wait four or five days to see if we can add one or two more.” City are also reported to be in advanced talks with Liverpool over a deal for forward Cody Gakpo.