Fernandez’s Chelsea future uncertain as Alonso seeks commitment

Xabi Alonso has expressed his desire to see Chelsea players feel motivated to play for the club, after Enzo Fernandez was omitted from the League Cup win against Luton on Thursday. The 25-year-old Argentine is rumored to be a target for Manchester City, but no potential buyer has so far come close to Chelsea's £163 million valuation of the midfielder.

Alonso, who was instrumental in Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham, hinted that Fernandez may not feature in their upcoming match against Brighton on Sunday. The former Real Madrid boss emphasized the importance of players being in good form and having the necessary enthusiasm to play, stating that Fernandez's absence from the squad was a mutual decision.

Chelsea's aggressive transfer activity this summer, including the signings of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, and the addition of Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, has resulted in a bloated squad. The club's owner, Roman Abramovich, has acknowledged the need to reduce the squad size to meet financial sustainability regulations.

Alonso is satisfied with the clear-out and believes the current squad is well-balanced, pending the outcome of the final few days.