LONDON.- The coach Xabi Alonsowhich left out Enzo Fernandez of Thursday’s game against Luton in the League Cupseemed to signal the exit door for the Argentine midfielder by demanding “the desire to play” to enter his plans for the games.
The British press considers these words a direct blow to Fernández, at a time when rumors are intensifying about a possible move to the Manchester City in a million-dollar operation.
The Argentine was a substitute and came into play on Monday in the 3-2 victory at the stadium. Fulhamon the first day of the Premier Leaguebut it could be left out of Alonso’s plans to face the Brighton on the second date, this Sunday.
In the middle of this month, Fernández was booed by Chelsea fans in a pre-season friendly won against the Royal Society (3-1), evidencing the discomfort of the stands with the player due to his desire to leave the entity, which he arrived at the beginning of 2023 from the Benfica Portuguese.
“We have to take everything into account: the players who are going through a good moment, those who do not feel that energy to play. For me it is very important that they have that desire to play and that they arrive well prepared,” said Alonso.
“We spoke and decided that (for the match against Luton) it was better that he not be part of the squad. He is a top-level player, there is no doubt about that,” he said.
An expensive preseason
A transfer of Fernández would also help the Blues balance their balance in the market, after a preseason campaign of heavy investments, with the arrival of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Valentín Barco, Pep Chavarría, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quendafor a global total of 300 million pounds (350 million euros or 406 million dollars).
The imminent arrival of the Argentine goalkeeper is also expected. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínezcoming from Aston Villaalso according to the British press.
Alonso, one of the new additions to the London team, was satisfied with the squad that his club has been putting together.
“We are quite close to the plan we had. We will see where we end up, if it is fully executed or if there are still some things to do,” he indicated about possible modifications in the last days of the market.
