Fernandez Left Out as City Move Rumors Grow

(Enzo Fernandez. Photo by Sky Sport)

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has explained why Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for the EFL Cup match against League One side Luton Town.

Chelsea beat the Hatters 2-0 in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Fernandez's absence from the squad has fueled speculation about his future at the club, with Manchester City reportedly keen to sign him before the transfer deadline closes.

Alonso told Sky Sports he decided to exclude the midfielder based on both individual and team circumstances.

He said that after reviewing the situation, he concluded Fernandez would not feature in the match.

When asked about whether Fernandez might leave Chelsea, Alonso suggested anything could happen, saying they must be prepared for all possibilities.

The exclusion raised questions because Alonso had mentioned in his pre-match press conference that Fernandez had been training well and was expected to play against Luton.

His sudden removal from the squad suggested something else was going on behind the scenes.

Reports from Argentina indicate that Chelsea and Manchester City are still in talks over a potential transfer.

Fernandez's absence appears linked to those negotiations.

Chelsea are asking for 120 million pounds for the 25-year-old midfielder.

Manchester City have already spent over 200 million pounds overhauling their midfield this summer.

They have signed Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi already. Adding Fernandez would strengthen their midfield even further.