Xabi Alonso responds when asked if Enzo Fernandez has played his last game for Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made the club’s stance clear when asked if Enzo Fernandez has played his last game for the Blues amid interest from Manchester City.

The Argentine midfielder was left out of the Premier League giants’ squad in each of the last two games against Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fernandez has been the subject of headlines since March, when he publicly expressed his desire to live in Madrid. The comments were made at a time when Chelsea were experiencing a massive dip in form in the Premier League and after their exit from the Champions League.

The west London club decided to suspend Fernandez for two games in the wake of the controversial interview. Since then, the relationship between the two parties has continued to deteriorate.

With former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca taking over the reins at Manchester City, and Real Madrid distancing themselves from a potential transfer, Fernandez’s only way out of Stamford Bridge is by sealing a move to the Etihad.

Manchester City are keen on signing Fernandez, but have yet to send an official bid. Chelsea maintain the player is up for sale and demand a £120 million fee, as well as ample time to find a replacement, to let him go before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.

After Chelsea beat Brighton 4-3 on Sunday, Alonso made his feelings clear about Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard revealed that he decided to leave Fernandez out of the team in the last two games because he wanted the best for his side.

Alonso went on to insist that his team are preparing for all scenarios when it comes to the Fernandez transfer saga. He promised the fans that no matter what happens, the Blues will have a good enough squad to compete in the Premier League after transfer deadline day.

Speaking to reporters after the Brighton game, Alonso stated:

“Well, we’ll see. We want the best for the team, and that’s why we made the decision [not to involve Enzo Fernandez] against Luton and today. And anything that happens [with respect to his future], we need to be aware till Tuesday evening of what is going to develop.

“We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios. But I am sure that whatever happens, from Wednesday, we’ll have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”

Chelsea next face rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, September 6.

Chelsea reach agreement on signing 22-year-old midfielder: Reports

As the Enzo Fernandez saga continues to drag on, Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco. As per journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Blues will pay around £38.5 million, including bonuses, for the services of the 22-year-old Senegal international.

The clubs are believed to be ironing out the final details of the deal, especially the payment schedule. It has also been claimed that the transfer will be completed before the deadline on Tuesday.

Camara, who joined Monaco from Metz in 2024, has quickly established himself as one of the best players in his position in Ligue 1. He has notched up 75 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. The midfielder also has 37 caps at senior level for Senegal after representing them at the recent AFCON and FIFA World Cup.