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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso emphasised that he only wants players who “feel a desire” to represent the club, following his decision to leave Enzo Fernandez out of Thursday’s League Cup victory over Luton.
The 25-year-old Argentine midfielder faces intense transfer speculation linking him to Manchester City, though no club has matched Chelsea’s £120 million ($163 million) valuation.
Alonso indicated Fernandez might also miss Sunday’s fixture against Brighton, explaining, “For me it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation.”
Selling Fernandez would help Chelsea comply with financial sustainability regulations after spending over £300 million in the transfer window.
The Blues have brought in a host of new signings, including Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, and Valentin Barco, while also targeting Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
To balance the squad, Chelsea have executed significant player departures, raising nearly £100 million from the sales of strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson alone.
Alonso expressed confidence in the club’s transfer business, noting that management has almost fully executed their plan to reduce squad size before the transfer window closes.
