Chelsea thrown Enzo Fernandez transfer curveball as Xabi Alonso faces Moises Caicedo dilemma

Chelsea have been thrown a curveball ahead of the transfer window deadline, as Xabi Alonso looks to resolve the future of Enzo Fernandez.

In a last-ditch effort to ensure Xabi Alonso has the tools to compete on all fronts this season, the Chelsea sporting leadership team may need to cut all lines of communication with Manchester City until the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday night...

During the Blues' win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, Moises Caicedo suffered an injury. Shortly after replacing Romeo Lavia midway through the second half, the 24-year-old midfielder, who had only returned to training at Cobham on Friday after a brief spell on the sidelines, hit the deck.

Once Caicedo was helped to his feet by medical staff, he looked rather emotional, covering his face with his shirt, as he headed straight down the tunnel. With Enzo Fernandez facing an uncertain future and subsequently left out of the matchday squad, the Chelsea manager had no choice but to give Valentin Barco, who had played 90 minutes just three days prior, the nod.

Fortunately for Alonso, the Blues managed to weather the storm in the Ecuador international's absence, banking another three crucial points and climbing the Premier League table. Although Chelsea dodged a bullet on this occasion, they may not be afforded the same luxury when they face Arsenal.

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On Sunday afternoon, the Blues will lock horns with Mikel Arteta's side at the Emirates Stadium as they look to prove their title credentials. Alonso managed to make ends meet when he lost Caicedo during the seven-goal thriller against the Seagulls.

When Chelsea face stronger opposition, though, such as the reigning English champions, his absence could prove fatal. As it stands, the severity of Caicedo's issue remains unclear, but suddenly, the potential departure of Enzo Fernandez looks foolish.

If the Argentine were to be sold to Manchester City and the Ecuadorian were to be unavailable for selection at the weekend, Alonso would have to build a double pivot from Reece James, Lavia, and Barco, as well as possibly Malo Gusto, who featured in the middle of the park against Brighton.

Although the Blues manager would have some attractive options at his disposal, he'd still be without one of the only holding midfielders in the world who can lock horns with Declan Rice. By reintegrating Fernandez, although Alonso wouldn't have a world-class tough-tackling six, he would have a world-class goalscoring eight.

Even if Chelsea were to sell their vice-captain and splash the cash on a replacement, it would be tremendously difficult to compensate for the loss of control in the middle of the park at such short notice. One day, a player like Alex Scott or Adam Wharton could prove to be more effective, but right now, Fernandez remains a top player who relishes the big occasion.

If it transpires that Caicedo could miss the Arsenal clash, higher-ups at Stamford Bridge must be prepared to dig their heels in and keep the wantaway maestro. Although Alonso has previously voiced his desire to keep Fernandez, he's been keen to keep the peace in the dressing room.

Speaking to reporters at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, the Chelsea gaffer said: "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..."