Chelsea is reportedly prepared to sell midfielder Alejandro Garnacho less than a year after his £40 million transfer from Manchester United. The 22-year-old Argentinian has not been present for the team's initial pre-season training sessions under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Other Chelsea players, including Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, reported for fitness tests and on-pitch work with Alonso on Thursday. Garnacho's absence from these sessions has not been officially explained, with the club declining to comment on whether it is injury-related or due to other circumstances.
Sources close to the club have indicated that Chelsea is open to moving the player on and is prioritizing a permanent sale over a loan deal. Despite a perceived underwhelming season with Chelsea, Garnacho's potential may still attract suitors in the current transfer window, particularly given the demand for wingers. Serie A club Roma has been mentioned as a potential interested party, though no official club-to-club discussions had been initiated as of earlier this week.
Alonso, who has been appointed as 'manager' rather than 'head coach,' allowing him significant input on player transfers, is expected to address Garnacho's situation and other team matters during his unveiling press conference on Monday.
Reports suggest Garnacho himself was disappointed by a lack of playing opportunities toward the end of the 2025-26 season. He started only one of Chelsea's final 12 matches, which was the FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds United at Wembley. He was an unused substitute in the team's season finale against Sunderland, a match Chelsea lost 2-1, a result that cost them a place in European competition for the upcoming season. Other players also unused in that match included academy talent Jesse Derry, who is joining Sporting CP on loan, and Andrey Santos, who is being sold to Manchester United for a package deal valued at £50 million.