Alonso satisfied with squad as Martinez takes up number-one jersey
- Published
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso appeared to speak with genuine conviction when discussing his satisfaction with the club's summer business.
However, his comments came just days after Chelsea missed out on signing a midfielder on transfer deadline day, largely because Monaco opted against sanctioning Lamine Camara's move to Stamford Bridge.
Yet Alonso, as he often does, focused on the options already at his disposal, highlighting Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco.
He also described this as only "phase one" which teases the potential to conduct more business to shape the squad into his vision come January.
The Chelsea head coach effectively confirmed Henderson remains unavailable but declined to provide an update on Caicedo after the midfielder lasted only 11 minutes as a substitute against Brighton on Sunday.
Ironically, his reluctance to discuss team news mirrors that of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whom he will face at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez inherited the number one shirt after Robert Sanchez joined Como 1907 on loan on transfer deadline day.
The Argentina international has also offered to sign shirts for supporters who purchased his number 26 jersey through official club channels following his move from Aston Villa last week.
