Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was absent from the match-day squad during the club’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town on Thursday, sparking speculation about a potential transfer move to Manchester City. The 25-year-old Argentine’s omission came despite Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso indicating the day before that he intended to include Fernandez in the squad.

Alonso later confirmed that the decision to exclude Fernandez was his own, citing the player’s apparent lack of “desire to play” as a key factor. Speaking after the match, Alonso explained that the team requires players who are fully prepared and motivated to compete. He said, “We need players that are in the best situation to play. We need to take everything into consideration — players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play.” He added that he had a conversation with Fernandez following a training session on Wednesday, after which they mutually agreed it was better for the midfielder not to be involved in the match-day squad. Alonso described Fernandez as “a top player” but emphasized the importance of player motivation and readiness.

The midfielder’s absence fueled ongoing rumors that Manchester City is pursuing a late-window transfer deal, reportedly valuing Fernandez at around £120 million. However, Chelsea officials stated after Thursday’s match that no formal bid had yet been received from City. The Premier League champions are closely monitoring the situation but no official approach had been made at the time.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have begun exploring potential replacements for Fernandez, anticipating that a transfer could materialize. The club has expressed interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, although the latter club has insisted he is not available for sale. Additionally, Monaco’s 22-year-old player Lamine Camara has been identified as another possible target.

As the summer transfer window nears its close, Chelsea balance the need to maintain squad harmony and competitiveness while navigating the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez’s future. Both clubs and player are yet to finalize any agreement, leaving the situation fluid in the closing hours of the transfer market.