Enzo Fernandez has lost 'the desire' to play for Chelsea, suggests Xabi Alonso

Wantaway midfielder remains a target for Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline

Xabi Alonso has suggested that Enzo Fernandez has lost “the desire” to play for Chelsea.

Fernandez was again missing for Chelsea as Luton were beaten 2-0 in the Carabao Cup second round on Thursday night, having also been absent from the squad for the win over Fulham in the Premier League three days prior.

The Argentine is again expected to sit out Sunday’s game against Brighton.

Fernandez is the subject of interest from Manchester City, who are expected to test Chelsea’s resolve with a formal bid before Tuesday’s summer transfer deadline.

Chelsea sources insisted late Thursday night that club-to-club talks had yet to take place, though an offer would be considered if it was in line with the club’s valuation, which is expected to exceed £120million.

Alonso confirmed that Fernandez’s absence on Wednesday was “a decision I took”, while the game against lower-league opposition also offered opportunities for fringe players to play minutes.

“I have said we need the players that are in the best situation to play,” Alonso explained, when asked about Fernandez.

“We need to take everything into consideration — players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play.

“For me, it is very important that they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation.”

Asked if Fernandez has lost the desire to play, Alonso replied: “We talked, and we decided for [Luton] it was better not to be part of the squad. He is a top player.”

As Nicolas Jackson leaves for Aston Villa and with Liam Delap already a Nottingham Forest player, Alonso was asked how happy he was with this squad heading into the final days of the transfer window.

“We are quite close to the plan we had,” he said. “We will see where we finish, if it is fully executed or there are things still to be done or things we couldn’t do.”