Alejandro Garnacho Skips Chelsea Pre-Season as Club Actively Seeks Permanent Sale

Alejandro Garnacho has not reported for pre-season training with Chelsea, signaling the club’s clear intent to offload the winger this summer. The 21-year-old was absent when the first-team squad not involved in World Cup duty reported back at Cobham on Thursday. His no-show underscores an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing campaign following his £40 million move from Manchester United on a seven-year contract. Chelsea now values him at around £43 million (€50 million) and will only consider permanent transfers, despite reported loan interest from Serie A side Roma. Sources indicate that multiple Premier League clubs, European sides, and teams from Saudi Arabia have expressed interest. Talks are open and advancing with several parties. Manchester United is entitled to 10 percent of any future sale. Garnacho managed just one Premier League goal in 24 appearances last season, the majority of which came from the bench under former managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. His departure is part of a wider squad overhaul under new head coach Xabi Alonso. Chelsea have already been active in the market, completing the signings of full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting for £40 million. The club also secured significant sales: left-back Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid for £52 million, while winger Tyrique George moved to Everton in a deal that could reach £24 million. The Blues are now targeting a centre-back, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix among the options, and are in talks with Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria. Meanwhile, defender Trevoh Chalobah’s camp is exploring moves to Italian clubs Inter Milan and Como. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and are set to embark on a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia in the coming weeks.