Alejandro Garnacho was missing from Chelsea's pre-season training on Thursday, the most visible sign yet that the club's £40m winger is being actively pushed towards the exit. The 21-year-old, who joined from Manchester United on a seven-year contract last summer, has not reported to Cobham as the club seeks a permanent buyer.
The absence reflects an underwhelming season in which the Argentine scored just one Premier League goal in 24 appearances, with 10 of those coming as a substitute. Chelsea value Garnacho at around £43m (€50m) and have made clear they will only entertain permanent offers, despite reported loan interest from Serie A club Roma.
“Alejandro Garnacho absent from Chelsea pre-season as club seeks permanent sale for winger.”
Premier League, European and Saudi Arabian clubs are all believed to have shown interest, with talks described as open and advancing with several parties. Manchester United, who sold Garnacho to Chelsea, are due 10% of any sale.
The situation is part of a broader reshaping of the squad under new manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea have already completed the signings of full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47m and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting for £40m. Two significant sales have also been made: left-back Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid for £52m and winger Tyrique George moved to Everton for a fee that could rise to £24m.
Further moves are expected. Chelsea are targeting a centre-back, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix among their options, and are in talks with Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah's entourage is exploring moves to Italian clubs Inter Milan and Como.
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and are preparing for a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia in the next fortnight. Garnacho's future now hangs in the balance as the club continues to reshape its squad for Alonso's first season in charge.