Chelsea transfer news: Xabi Alonso says Blues "must accept" Enzo Fernandez saga amid Man City talk

Xabi Alonso has played down the reaction that Enzo Fernandez received from supporters during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday night.

Amid reports that Manchester City plan on making a fresh approach, the Argentina international was selected on the substitutes' bench for the game at Craven Cottage.

Even with Moises Caicedo missing out through injury, Fernandez was kept in reserve as Reece James and Romeo Lavia were handed starting berths.

The move paid off as Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all got on the scoresheet in a thrilling victory in West London.

Fernandez was introduced during the second half, where he seemed to be jeered by Fulham's fans and cheered by Chelsea's.

Fernandez reaction "not a big deal"

Alonso was quizzed on the situation at his post-match press conference, but the Spaniard chose to focus the occasion rather than anything related to Fernandez.

He told reporters: "Football is emotional, we have to accept in this situation, but for me it's not a big deal.

I'm happy to play our first Premier League game of the season, my first official Premier League game with Chelsea. It felt great in this stadium with our fans at the end, and to celebrate with them.

"I had the feeling before the kick-off that they were excited, they were hoping to see a good performance from the team, a serious one, one that they could see the team gave everything to fight for it.

"I saw happy faces at the end, so it's important to create this bond. Early days, first day, good one."

On selecting Lavia over Fernandez, Alonso added: "We have different options, players that during the pre-season they come in different stages, so all the players will play an important role.

"This is about the team, this is about the squad. It's not just that you have 14 players, we need 20 long to compete in this season."

What next for Fernandez and Chelsea?

Chelsea are in line for a busy week with Luton Town to come in the EFL Cup second round on Thursday and Brighton & Hove Albion to follow on Sunday.

From Fernandez's perspective, it feels plausible that he could have played his last game for Chelsea, with Alonso unlikely to risk him versus Luton if a big-money move to Man City becomes realistic.

In the short term, Alonso must decide how to handle the midfield situation versus Luton, with it unlikely that Caicedo, James and Lavia will start.

A scenario could arise where Valentin Barco may partner Dario Essugo, even with the latter said to be available on loan.