Xabi Alonso claims Chelsea have quality players at every position despite failing to fill the void left in their midfield by Enzo Fernandez’s departure.

Fernandez finally made his desired move to Manchester City on transfer deadline day, joining in a deal that saw City equal the British record by paying £125million for his services.

Chelsea thought they had sourced a replacement when they agreed a deal to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco, only for the Ligue 1 club to pull the plug on that transfer.

It has left the Blues looking light in the middle of the park, with Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson their four natural options in that position. Henderson remains sidelined with the injury he suffered at the World Cup.

Right-back Reece James also regularly plays in the engine room and will likely be required to do so more often following Fernandez’s exit.

But Alonso insisted he is happy with his squad as they prepare to face defending Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday.

Asked about Fernandez’s move, Alonso told a pre-match press conference: “We take all the decisions together. We work together with big ones, small ones. We knew ultimately the goal is to have the best for the team. We want to build a good spirit, a good team.” 

“In football many things happen. With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect. What he has done for the club has been great, but now it’s time to move forward. We have players with quality in every position and now we are ready to go.

“We can be very happy with the whole transfer window. What we started talking about in May/early June – many things we have. 

“It is a very balanced phase one we have made in this transfer window. Phase one is completed, it’s a good one for now and for the future.”

“I think that we are prepared and happy with the squad and the depth we have. It’s a good balance of players from different stages. 

“We need to build that energy during the week to perform at the weekends. So far, it has been a good start and now we know who is in the building and it’s good to have that certainty.”