Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has shown Enzo Fernandez the door — and acknowledged that Pedro Neto could also be on his way out.
Argentine midfielder Fernandez is eager to secure a move to Manchester City before Tuesday's transfer deadline and was again omitted from Chelsea's squad for their victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
City are preparing a £130 million ($176.1 million) British record deal, and Alonso conceded he made the call because it was "best for the team."
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Alonso also left the door ajar for Neto to depart before Tuesday's deadline, with the Portuguese winger attracting attention from several clubs, including Liverpool, as per The Mirror.
Chelsea anticipate further signings before the window closes — with AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara among those linked — and Fernandez looks set to exit provided the price is right and the Blues secure a replacement.
Chelsea boss 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.
"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."
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Neto's situation at Chelsea is equally intriguing, with the winger currently deployed as a wing-back and his long-term future at the club remaining unclear — though an impressive display against Brighton suggests he could yet remain at Stamford Bridge.
When pressed on whether he could guarantee Neto's future at the club, Alonso responded: "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.
"I am happy that he scored, he was really close to scoring another one. I am very happy with Pedro."
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