Chelsea are flying high under Xabi Alonso, winning all their competitive match under the former Real Madrid manager.
However, the London club are yet to finalize their summer business with Argentina international, Enzo Fernandez tipped to leave the club for a reunion with Enzo Maresca at Manchester City.
Fernandez was absent from the Blues’ victory over Brighton as City prepare a mammoth British record bid for the Argentine midfielder.
The former Benfica midfielder has reportedly agreed terms with Manchester City, while Chelsea are understood to be demanding a staggering £130 million British-record package to let their star midfielder leave.
When asked about dropping Fernandez from the squad, Alonso hinted the midfielder could made a move before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Enzo Fernandez is tipped to leave Chelsea for Manchester City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Chelsea boss acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the coming days but backed his club to handle any late drama.
“We’ll see. We want the best for the team and that’s why we made the decision [to leave Fernandez out] against Luton and today,” Alonso explained to reporters. “Anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop. We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios.”
Despite the looming deadline, the Spanish tactician remains confident that his roster will be ready for the long campaign ahead. “I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games,” he added.
Aside Fernandez, one player who has also been linked with a summer move is Pedro Neto.
Pedro Neto has also been tipped to leave Chelsea this summer. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Despite speculations regarding the wingers’ future, Neto delivered a standout performance against Brighton, finding the back of the net and posing a constant threat. When pressed on whether the forward would definitely remain in west London, Alonso refused to make any concrete promises.
“No, in football I don’t guarantee anything, not anyone,” Alonso admitted. “But I was very happy with Pedro. He did really well, he played with a lot of energy. He is going to be very important for the team for the whole season because he has different special qualities.
“He is a threat in one-v-one, he attacks very well in the space, he is strong, he is competitive. I am happy that he scored, he was really close to scoring another one. I am very happy with Pedro.”
Chelsea are expected to make some new signings before the transfer deadline with Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto also expected to make critical decision regarding their future at the club.
