Alonso address Fernandez exit and Camara transfer collapse

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·4 September 2026

Alonso address Fernandez exit and Camara transfer collapse

Xabi Alonso says it is time for Chelsea to “move forward” following the departure of Enzo Fernandez and failure to sign Lamine Camara as his replacement.

The drawn-out saga surrounding the Argentine midfielder’s future ended on Transfer Deadline Day when he reunited with Enzo Maresca at Manchester City.

OneFootball Videos

The Blues sold the 25-year-old for £125 million, equalling the British transfer record set by Liverpool last year when they signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal, Alonso admitted that Chelsea allowed Fernandez to leave the club because it was “best for the team”.

Alonso address Fernandez exit and Camara transfer collapse

“We take all the decisions together,” the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. “We work together with big ones, small ones. We knew ultimately the goal is to have the best for the team. We want to build a good spirit, a good team.”

Fernandez was left out of the Chelsea matchday squads for the wins over Luton Town and Brighton because Alonso only wanted players who were fully focused. Despite the player’s push for an exit, the manager evidently holds no hard feelings over the manner of the transfer.

“In football many things happen,” he said. “With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect. What he has done for the club has been great, but now it’s time to move forward. We have players with quality in every position and now we are ready to go.”

Chelsea tried to replace Fernandez by signing Lamine Camara from AS Monaco, but the Ligue 1 club reneged on their agreement late in the day. But Alonso did not want to dwell on the failed deal.

“I think that we are prepared and happy with the squad and the depth we have,” he responded when asked about the move’s collapse. “It’s a good balance of players from different stages.

“We need to build that energy during the week to perform at the weekends. So far, it has been a good start and now we know who is in the building and it’s good to have that certainty.”

Alonso is otherwise pleased with Chelsea’s business in the summer transfer window, which saw them spend £351 million on ten new signings.

“We can be very happy with the whole transfer window. What we started talking about in May, early June – many things we have.

“It is a very balanced phase one we have made in this transfer window. Phase one is completed, it’s a good one for now and for the future.”

Chelsea’s biggest signing was that of Morgan Rogers, who joined the west London outfit from Aston Villa for £117 million. Arsenal had been heavily linked with the attacker until he moved to Stamford Bridge.

“Squad planning, taking big decisions, for sure, Morgan was a big, big one to get a player of his stature – in the present and future,” Alonso added. “He will be a key player for the next six, seven years. He’s had a great impact.”

Read – The Premier League clubs with the biggest net spend in summer 2026