Xabi Alonso says that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will feature for Chelsea against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round, despite the threat of the player departing the club for Manchester City.
The Chelsea boss admitted on Monday Night Football that he wished the summer window would close, that way he’d know exactly who’s available and at his disposal.
Man City missed Chelsea’s August 14 deadline for the sale of Fernandez, but with Enzo Maresca such a big fan of the player, a substantial bid is likely to come in for the Argentine before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
A good professional
“Yes, we expect that he’s involved,” Alonso said in his Wednesday press conference.
“He’s trained. He’s training really well. He’s a good professional and he will be involved.
“We want to have the best team possible,” he added.
“We know his qualities; he has shown them, and we have to wait. We’ll think about tomorrow and see how things develop.”
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A tense relationship
“Earlier this month, Chelsea set a deadline for clubs to submit a deal and a bid worth up to £120m; that was the asking price for Fernandez,” Sky Sports News’ James Savundra said.
“Man City ignored that deadline, but we do know they do retain an interest in signing the player.
“However, it remains to be seen what sort of negotiation Chelsea would be willing to go into with City because there clearly is a strained relationship between the two football clubs.
“Chelsea’s season was completely derailed by what happened with Maresca leaving around Christmas time, and Man City had to pay Chelsea £17m in compensation because of their role in that.
“We know City should have money to spend now because they’ve sold a record number of players in this transfer window, and we know Maresca loves Fernandez.”
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