Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has said Enzo Fernandez's omission from the squad for Thursday's win was purely to give other players minutes, describing the Manchester City target as a "good professional".
The Argentine remains heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, with City appearing his only possible destination. Fernandez was left on the bench for Alonso's first Premier League win on Monday night and was overlooked entirely against Luton.
Alonso's explanation
Speaking after Thursday's victory, Alonso said: "It was a decision from myself and from the club. We had other players that needed minutes and it was that way. It's a decision that I took. He's a good professional. He's training well. I have nothing to say about him. It was just a decision that we had to take, thinking about the game that we're playing tonight and we'll see for (Brighton on) Sunday."
Fernandez has been a regular for the Blues since joining but flirted with a move to Real Madrid last season, which saw him suspended for two games. Los Blancos have admitted they do not want to sign the Argentine, but City retain an interest.
City's midfield overhaul
City's new boss Enzo Maresca has a good relationship with Fernandez having managed him at Chelsea, and while their £120m valuation could block a deal, a bid is expected before the window closes on Tuesday. Alonso has twice now opted against starting with the 25-year-old.
Chelsea had previously imposed a deadline for City should they want to bid for Fernandez, which has since passed, but the Manchester club could still make a late play for him as they overhaul their midfield. This summer they have allowed Rodri to leave for Barcelona after he entered the final year of his deal, while Bernardo Silva left on a free and Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez have been sold for a combined £100m.
In response, City have spent a club record fee on Elliot Anderson, who has slipped straight into the team. This week those at the Etihad landed the signing of Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined from Lille in a deal worth £86.
Any move for Fernandez could see their spend on new midfielders hit the £300m mark given Chelsea's valuation of the player. He moved from Benfica in January 2023 for £106m, and the west Londoners will be determined to secure a profit on him, even if he is pushing for a move away.
