Xabi Alonso Demands ‘Desire to Play’ as Enzo Fernandez transfer speculation intensifies

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has called for players who have the “desire to play” for the club as uncertainty continues over Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad for Thursday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Luton Town, prompting renewed speculation that the Argentina international could leave the club before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for the midfielder, although it is understood that the Premier League champions have not made formal contact with Chelsea regarding a potential transfer.Chelsea had previously placed a £120 million asking price on Fernandez after the player told the club in May that he wanted to leave. That figure, however, is understood to no longer strictly apply following the expiry of a deadline for offers imposed by Chelsea on 13 August.

Fernandez situation

Alonso dismissed reports from Argentina claiming that Fernandez had asked not to be involved against Luton. Instead, the Chelsea manager said the decision followed discussions with the player and was based on Fernandez’s readiness to play.

“We need the players that are in the best situation to play,” Alonso said ahead of Sunday’s home match against Brighton. “We need to take everything into consideration, players that are in good moments, players that are not feeling that energy to play. “For me it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation.”

Alonso added: “We talked, and we decided that (for Luton) it was better not to be part of the squad. He’s a top player; there’s no doubt about that.”

Fernandez’s omission has nevertheless increased attention on his future, with Chelsea remaining open to a late departure if their conditions are met.

City interest

Chelsea are understood to be willing to consider selling Fernandez before Tuesday’s deadline, but any deal could come at a higher price than the £120 million figure previously quoted.

One reason is the lack of time available to find a replacement. If Fernandez leaves late in the window, Chelsea would have limited time to strengthen their midfield and could face inflated prices from clubs reluctant to sell key players.

The market has already seen several major deals surpass £100 million this summer. Liverpool have agreed a reported £120 million deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, taking the number of transfers above the £100 million mark to three.

Chelsea believe those deals have contributed to rising valuations across the European transfer market.

Late business

Asked whether Chelsea would return to the transfer market if Fernandez leaves, Alonso gave a brief response.

“We have to be ready always,” he said.

The Blues have already been busy reducing their squad in the closing stages of the window.Defender Mamadou Sarr has joined Real Sociedad on loan, while Liam Delap completed a £50 million move to Nottingham Forest on Thursday.

Alonso had previously said Chelsea needed to significantly reduce the size of their squad. The manager now believes the club are approaching the target they had set.

“We are quite close to the plan that we had,” Alonso 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. We need to see how the last few days develop.”

What happens next?

Chelsea face Brighton at home on Sunday, with Fernandez’s future likely to remain a major talking point ahead of the match.

For now, there has been no formal approach from Manchester City. However, Chelsea’s willingness to consider Fernandez’s departure means the situation could change quickly before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

If City do make an approach, Chelsea are expected to weigh any offer against their ability to strengthen the squad before the deadline.