Xabi Alonso names two Chelsea youngsters in his plans ahead of Arsenal clash

Xabi Alonso has no concerns over the depth of his midfield options after Chelsea failed to bring in a replacement for Enzo Fernandez on transfer deadline day.

Fernandez completed his £120million switch to Manchester City with the Blues turning to Monaco’s Lamine Camara to fill the void, agreeing a £47million transfer fee with the Ligue 1 side.

Monaco pulled the plug at the last minute, however, much to Chelsea’s frustration.

Fernandez formed a formidable partnership with Mosies Caicedo for much of his time at Stamford Bridge with the latter expected to be a key figure under Alonso.

The Ecuador international is an injury doubt for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal however after he was forced off just minutes after coming off the bench against Brighton last weekend.

Romeo Lavia has had an excellent start to the season, starting both games this season in midfield. The Belgian could have a key role to play this term but has struggled with injury for most of his career in west London, starting just 17 league matches since joining in 2023.

Valentin Barco was another summer recruit in midfield with Jordan Henderson also joining to provide experience and leadership in a young dressing room.

Ahead of the trip to the Emirates, Alonso named two of the club’s brightest academy products in Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli as players who will also be in his thinking this term.

‘We have different qualities, personalities, like Valentin, he is young but he has come with great energy,’ Alonso told a press conference on Friday.

‘We have Hendo, he has the composure, the mentality, he knows what is going on in the game so he is getting closer and closer to playing time.

‘With Romeo [Lavia], Reece [James] as well, even Malo [Gusto] can play, [Reggie] Watson as well, Mahdi [Nicoll-Jazuli] from the academy.

‘We have options and we need to have the right balance and we think that we have quality, competitiveness for all the season and to face each opponent.’

16-year-old Watson, son of former Crystal Palace and Wigan midfielder Ben, has been training with the first-team having also been involved in the pre-season tour of Australia. He was also an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup win over Luton Town in August.

Nicoll-Jazuli, also 16, was also involved in the summer tour, playing against Tottenham before starting against Juventus in Hong Kong.

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