ALONSO CALLS FOR CHELSEA TO FOCUS ON FUTURE AFTER FERNANDEZ DEPARTURE

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has urged the club to put Enzo Fernandez’s departure behind them and concentrate on building the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Fernandez completed a blockbuster move from Chelsea to Manchester City shortly before the summer transfer window closed. The Argentina international joined the Premier League champions in a British record-equalling £125m deal, bringing an end to a prolonged transfer saga surrounding his future.

Chelsea had attempted to strengthen their midfield after Fernandez’s exit by pursuing Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. However, the proposed transfer collapsed after Monaco failed to submit a deal sheet before the transfer deadline, meaning the move could not be completed.

Despite the late setback, Alonso insisted that Chelsea must remain focused on the players currently available to him. The Spanish coach said the club had made its transfer decisions collectively with the objective of building a competitive and united squad.

Alonso also acknowledged Fernandez’s contribution during his time at Stamford Bridge, saying the midfielder had done a lot for the club and that Chelsea remained thankful for his efforts. However, he believes the team now needs to turn its attention towards the challenges ahead rather than dwell on the departure.

The Chelsea boss maintained that his squad still possesses significant quality and depth across different areas of the pitch. He pointed to the mixture of experienced players and younger talents as something that could provide the team with a healthy level of competition for places.

“We need to build that energy during the week to perform well at the weekends,” Alonso said, while stressing that Chelsea now have greater certainty about the group of players who will remain at the club following the close of the transfer window.

Chelsea have made a perfect start to the new campaign, winning their opening two Premier League matches, and Alonso is now preparing his side for a difficult London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.

The manager also revealed that midfielder Moises Caicedo would undergo a late fitness assessment after being forced off during Chelsea’s previous match against Brighton.

Although Chelsea were unable to replace Fernandez before the deadline, Alonso said he was satisfied with the overall transfer window. He believes the club accomplished many of the objectives that were identified when preparations for the new season began in May and June.

With the transfer window now closed, Alonso’s immediate task is to maintain Chelsea’s strong start and integrate the new-look squad as the club attempts to compete at the top end of the Premier League.