CHELSEA are prepared for any eventuality after Enzo Fernandez was left out of another squad, with the Blues braced for a double departure.
Fernandez, 25, is pushing for a move to Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline and has been absent from the last two matchday squads.
Xabi Alonso was tight-lipped over Enzo Fernandez’s future Credit: Getty
The midfielder was not involved as Chelsea beat Brighton Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Alonso, who made it two Premier League wins from two as Chelsea boss, could not guarantee £100million-rated Pedro Neto, who started and scored against Brighton, would remain at the club.
City are yet to make their first official bid for Fernandez, valued at more than £120m by Chelsea. City are expected to lodge a first bid of around £100m.
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Asked if Fernandez had played his final game for the club, Alonso said: “We’ll see.
“We want the best for the team and that’s why we made the decision against Luton and today and anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop.
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“We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios but I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”
Neto, 26, was in talks over a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal before Chelsea’s asking price put them off and they turned their attention to Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The Portugal international has been involved in all three games under Alonso so far this season and scored his first goal of the season against the Seagulls.
But Alonso declined to say that he would be staying at the club.
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The Spaniard said: “No, in football I don’t guarantee anything, not anyone.
“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.
Pedro Neto could still leave Chelsea Credit: Getty
“I am happy that he scored, he was really close to scoring another one. I am very happy with Pedro.”
Romeo Lavia, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer were also on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton.
