Enzo Fernandez Frozen Out as Xabi Alonso Delivers Cryptic Chelsea Verdict Ahead of Transfer Deadline

Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea future has suddenly become one of the biggest questions hanging over Stamford Bridge, with Xabi Alonso admitting that leaving the midfielder out of the squad was “for the best” as Manchester City reportedly prepare to make a major move.

The 25-year-old has missed Chelsea’s last two matches, sitting out the Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town before being left out again for the Premier League clash with Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, Fernandez’s continued absence has inevitably intensified speculation that his time in west London could be coming to an unexpected end.

Alonso explains Fernandez decision

Asked why Fernandez was once again missing from the squad, Alonso kept his response brief but revealing.

“We assess what’s best for the team. We need the team to be focused,” the Chelsea head coach said.

It follows comments Alonso made earlier in the week when he explained that selection decisions were based on a player’s condition and readiness to contribute.

“I have said we need the players that are in the best situation to play,” Alonso said.

“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.”

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

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future, Alonso has continued to describe Fernandez as a high-quality player.

Manchester City preparing Fernandez move

Fernandez’s absence comes as Manchester City have emerged as potential suitors.

Enzo Maresca’s side are reportedly expected to make a significant offer for the midfielder, despite already adding Elliot Anderson and Ayoubb Bouaddi to their midfield options this summer.

Chelsea are understood to value Fernandez at around £120million, meaning any move would require City to commit to another substantial investment.

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 and has since made 170 appearances, scoring 31 goals for the club.

He also has six years remaining on his contract in west London, giving Chelsea a strong negotiating position should City formalise their interest.

If the transfer does happen, Fernandez would become another major midfield addition to City’s summer rebuild after the arrivals of Anderson and Bouaddi.

Robert Sanchez also faces an uncertain future

Fernandez is not the only prominent Chelsea player whose position has come under scrutiny.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was also absent from the latest squad after losing his starting position to summer signing Emi Martinez.

Asked whether Sanchez could be heading for the exit, Alonso offered an intriguing response.

“We will see. Sometimes you have to take tough decisions,” he said.

The Spaniard’s comments provide little certainty over Sanchez’s future, but his reduced role has added another layer of uncertainty to Chelsea’s squad with the transfer deadline approaching.

City could make even more moves

Manchester City’s business may not end with Fernandez.

The club are also reportedly in pole position to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with talks now taking place between the two clubs.

City’s manager has hinted that further additions remain possible before the window closes.

“We have experienced players, for sure we have leaders,” Maresca said.

“Now we need to wait 4-5 days for when the transfer window closes also to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling [Haaland], at the moment they are the two captains. It’s a young squad and also we have some experienced players.”

With only days remaining before the deadline, Chelsea could therefore face a significant decision over Fernandez while City continue to reshape their squad.

For Alonso, the immediate priority is clear: selecting players he believes are fully focused and ready to play. But with Fernandez repeatedly left out and Manchester City circling, his future at Stamford Bridge now looks increasingly uncertain.