Xabi Alonso says Chelsea have quality players in every position despite failing to fill the void left in midfield after the departure of Enzo Fernandes.
Fernandes finally made his desired move to Manchester City on transfer deadline day, joining in a deal that saw City equal a British record by paying £125 million for his services.
Chelsea thought they had found a replacement when they agreed a deal to sign Lamine Kamara from Monaco, only to French League 1 club to pull the plug on this transfer.
He left the Blues looking light in the middle of the park, with Romeu Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson Their four natural options in this situation. Henderson is absent from the field due to the injury he suffered in the World Cup.
Right-back Reece James also plays regularly in the engine room and will likely be asked to do so more often following Fernandes’ exit.
But Alonso insisted he is happy with his team as they prepare to take on the defence Premier League Arsenal, defending champions, on Sunday.
When asked about Fernandes’ move, Alonso said in a pre-match press conference: “We make all the decisions together. We work together with the big ones and the young ones. We knew in the end that the goal was to get the best for the team. We want to build a good spirit and a good team.”
“In football a lot of things happen. We’ve had conversations with Enzo and always with respect. What he did for the club was great, but now it’s time to move on. We have quality players in every position and now we’re ready to go.
“We can be very happy with the whole transfer window. What we started talking about in May and early June – we have many things.
“It is a very balanced first phase that we have done in this transfer window. The first phase is complete, and it is a good phase for now and for the future.”
“I think we are ready and happy with the squad and the depth we have. It is a good balance between players of different stages.
“We need to build that energy during the week to put on shows on the weekends. It’s been a good start so far and now we know who’s in the building and it’s good to have that certainty.”
