Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has commented on Enzo Fernandez’s availability for the Carabao Cup second round clash against Luton Town on Thursday. The Argentine midfielder is wanted by Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, who are reportedly ready to table a new bid for the player.
Enzo Fernandez made the headlines in March, when he publicly revealed his desire to live in Madrid after Chelsea’s dip in form and exit from the Champions League. The Blues sanctioned him with a two-match suspension.
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Since then, the relationship between Fernandez and the club has continued to deteriorate. Real Madrid distanced themselves from the player, but ex-Blues coach Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City this summer, views him as a priority target.
Chelsea set a transfer deadline of August 14 to let Fernandez leave the club, with the asking price fixed at £120 million. However, Manchester City decided against launching an attempt at the time.
Fernandez came on as a substitute during the Blues’ 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday. He did not receive a warm welcome from the fans, who decided to whistle and boo him.
After securing the deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, City are now ready to go in for Fernandez once again, according to Sky Sports. The news comes just hours before Chelsea face Luton Town and understandably, Alonso was asked if he expects Fernandez to be available for the match.
While hailing Fernandez as a ‘good professional’, Alonso stated that he expects the midfielder to be involved in action on Thursday. He also added that the transfer rumors are not a distraction for the player or the club since this is something that happens regularly in football.
Alonso told reporters in the pre-match press conference:
“Yes, so we expect that he’s involved.”
“He has trained, he’s training really well, he’s a good professional and he will be involved.”
“No [it is not a distraction]. The players, they have experience. They are not new to this. They know how to do it, how to deal with it.
“We never talk about these things. We try to deal with them positively and the best thing is being there with football focus. After a win, it’s better. Yesterday was better. Today was just about Luton.”
Chelsea will face Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup, if they beat Jack Wilshere’s Luton Town.
Chelsea maintain they need time to find a replacement before selling Enzo Fernandez
In addition to the £120 million price-tag, Chelsea have also made it clear that they need time to find a replacement before sanctioning Enzo Fernandez’s sale. The Blues have reportedly identified Bournemouth star Alex Scott as an option, but the Cherries maintain the player is not up for grabs.
Adam Wharton is another Premier League star who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge amid the ongoing transfer saga involving Fernandez. Other options also include Manu Kone of Roma.
Chelsea are unlikely to stand in the way of Fernandez since the player is keen on joining Manchester City. The two clubs are expected to find a solution that suits both of them before the transfer window slams shut.
Edited by Nived Zenith