Chelsea Fernandez exit has prompted Xabi Alonso to call for unity as the Blues turn their attention to Arsenal after a perfect start

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea manager, on Friday, September 4, 2026, urged Chelsea to move forward after Enzo Fernandez completed his British record-equalling £125 million transfer to Manchester City, with the London club preparing for a crucial Premier League meeting with Arsenal.

Also read: EPL: Maresca Reveals Why Man City Signed Fernandez

Fernandez’s departure brought an extended transfer saga to an end shortly before Tuesday’s deadline, leaving Chelsea without one of the midfielders who had become an important part of the squad.

Alonso acknowledged that the club had held discussions with Fernandez before the transfer was completed but stressed that the relationship remained respectful throughout the process.

“With Enzo, we have had conversations, but always with respect as well,” Alonso told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“What he has done for the club, it has been great, and we are thankful, but now it is time to move forward.”

Chelsea had attempted to strengthen the midfield after Fernandez’s departure by pursuing Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

The proposed move, however, collapsed after Monaco failed to submit a deal sheet before the transfer window closed, leaving Chelsea unable to complete the signing.

Alonso declined to dwell on the failed move, instead expressing confidence in the squad available to him.

“I think that we are prepared and happy with the squad, the depth, with the healthy competition we have in different positions,” he said.

The Chelsea manager also emphasised that the club’s recruitment decisions had been taken collectively, with the wider objective of building a competitive and cohesive squad.

“We take all the decisions together,” Alonso said. “We are responsible for them with our work together, the big ones, small ones.”

Chelsea’s immediate attention now turns to Arsenal on Sunday, with the Blues looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the new Premier League campaign.

The fixture will provide an early test of how quickly Alonso’s reshaped squad can settle following a summer of significant movement.

Chelsea have undergone extensive changes during the transfer window, and Alonso said he was satisfied with the work completed since discussions began in late May and early June.

“We can be very happy with the whole transfer window,” he said.

The manager will also assess the fitness of midfielder Moises Caicedo after the Ecuador international was forced off during the closing stages of Chelsea’s recent match against Brighton.

Despite the disruption caused by Fernandez’s departure and the late collapse of the Camara deal, Alonso believes Chelsea have enough quality and depth to compete.

He said the priority was now to build the right energy during training and translate it into performances at the weekend.

“So far, it is just two games, but it has been a good start and now we know who is in the building and that is good to have that certainty,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea Fernandez exit has therefore closed one chapter of a turbulent transfer period, but Alonso will be judged increasingly on how effectively he can turn a heavily reshaped squad into a settled and competitive side.

Also read: EPL: Maresca Reveals Why Man City Signed Fernandez

Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal offers an early opportunity to demonstrate that Chelsea can leave the transfer drama behind and concentrate on the season ahead.