Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ as Fernandez speculation rises

Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ as Fernandez speculation rises

Xabi Alonso says he wants players who “feel desire to play” for Chelsea as speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez’ future ramps up.

The midfielder was left out of the Blues’ matchday squad for their 3-1 home win over Luton Town in the League Cup on Thursday amid reports linking him with Manchester City .

City have been interested in signing the Argentina international this summer, and Chelsea are reportedly willing to sell for the right price.

The west London outfit reportedly set a deadline for last Friday for City to submit a formal bid of £120 million, but no offers were received. The club may demand an even higher fee if City come in for him before Deadline Day next Tuesday.

Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ as Fernandez speculation rises

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Alonso dismissed reports that Fernandez asked to be omitted from the squad for the Luton game at STamford Bridge.

“We need the players that are in the best situation to play,” the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference.

“We need to take everything into consideration, players that are in good moments, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation.

“We talked, and we decided that (for Luton) it was better not to be part of the squad. He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about that.”

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Asked if Fernandez would need to be replaced by another midfielder were he to leave, Alonso replied: “We have been talking about speculations and sorry but I am not the one who is talking too early about things. We will see what happens. We want to be ready always.”

As has been the case for several years now, Chelsea have entered the season with a bloated squad. Alonso says the squad has been cut almost to the size he wants.

“We are quite close to the plan that we had. We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are some things still to be done.

“But overall the balance of what we have is going to be good. We need to see how the last few days develop.”

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