Chelsea Clear Path for Garnacho Exit as Champions League Clubs Circle

Chelsea are edging closer to offloading Alejandro Garnacho this summer, with two unnamed Champions League sides now eyeing the winger, according to the media. The Argentina international joined the Blues from Manchester United last summer for €46 million (£40m) but struggled to make a consistent impact. The 22-year-old scored eight goals across all competitions, yet only one of those came in the Premier League. Now, just a year into his Stamford Bridge stint, Garnacho is being strongly linked with an immediate departure. insider sources understands Chelsea are open to selling him as part of a wider squad trim aimed at raising funds for manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea’s financial situation remains a pressing concern. The club posted a pre-tax loss of €306.2 million (£262.4m) for the year ending June 30, 2025 – the largest ever recorded by a Premier League side. That reality leaves little room for new arrivals unless sales are made. Two unconfirmed Champions League suitors have now emerged, the Mail reports, though their identities remain under wraps. Chelsea must sell to buy, and Alonso is keen to reinforce his squad with a central defender and a versatile attacker ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix and Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers are believed to be on the club’s radar. Lacroix, a France international, has been a pillar for Palace since arriving from Wolfsburg in August 2024, helping the Eagles lift the FA Cup, Community Shield, and UEFA Conference League. Rogers, meanwhile, has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s top attacking midfielders at Villa Park. The 23-year-old has scored 31 goals in 125 appearances since moving from Middlesbrough in February 2024 and was named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after Villa won the competition in 2025–26. Yet prising Rogers away would require a British record fee. The Mail claims it would take around €152 million (£130m) to convince Villa to sell – eclipsing the €144 million (£125m) Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer. Villa are themselves under financial strain, with UEFA spending rules effectively forcing them to offload a key player before strengthening Unai Emery’s squad. However, The media understands Villa are desperate to keep hold of Rogers despite that pressure. Chelsea have already made one signing this window, bringing in Italy international Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a reported €55 million (£47m). But further incomings hinge on outgoings – and Garnacho appears the most likely candidate to depart.