Alonso confirms Chelsea free agent transfer plan after wonderkid arrival

Alonso reveals Chelsea plan over midfield free agent signing after wonderkid arrival Make us your Google favourite Xabi Alonso has admitted that Chelsea have considered signing a free agent to add depth in midfield after failing to replace Enzo Fernandez before the transfer window closed. Fernandez joined Manchester City late on deadline day, while Monaco reneged on an agreement to sell Lamine Camara to Chelsea as a replacement, leaving Alonso short-staffed in the middle of the park. Various reports had suggested that Chelsea would consider signing a free agent, such as Georginio Wijnaldum, as a short-term option due to the likes of Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson being sidelined through injury. The situation has left Alonso relying on the fitness of Reece James and Romeo Lavia, both of whom have had repeated struggles with injuries, however the Chelsea boss confirmed that, despite the shortage, the club have opted against signing another player. When asked if were considering going into the free agent market to bolster their midfield, Alonso simply replied “No”, before saying: "Well, we have looked. But no.” “I said after the window was closed, I'm fully committed with this squad,” Alonso added. “I'm happy, and we need to deal with injuries but once we have all the players, many important players back, I think that we will be able to take a step forward." Chelsea confirm youngster not part of plans as Alonso’s midfield numbers run thin Alonso has sought to manage the minutes of both James and Lavia due to their injury history but both players have featured heavily to start the season after Caicedo suffered an injury setback during his first appearance of the campaign against Brighton on 30 August. Caicedo came off the bench in the 4-3 win but only managed 14 minutes before being substituted off again, although Alonso is hopeful to have the Ecuadorian back this weekend. Chelsea’s only other options in midfielder are Malo Gusto , who is considered more of a natural full-back, and summer signing Valentin Barco, who is still adapting to English football. Alonso also confirmed that young midfielder Kendry Paez was not part of his plans despite the 19-year-old having his loan cut short at River Plate last month. Chelsea had been hoping to loan Paez out again before the window closed but, despite failing to do so, they will look to raise the youngster’s standards behind the scenes before considering him ready for first team football. When asked about Paez, Alonso said: “No, no. He is not part of the plans. At the moment, he is not part of the first team squad.”