Alejandro Garnacho is on his way out of Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are making no secret of it. The 21-year-old winger was absent from the club's first pre-season training sessions at Cobham on Thursday, a pointed signal that his future lies elsewhere as Xabi Alonso begins reshaping the squad in his own image.

Chelsea kicked off preparations for the new campaign this week, with those players not away at the World Cup reporting to their Cobham base. Garnacho, however, was not among them — a telling omission that reflects just how quickly his Chelsea tenure has soured since his £40m arrival from Manchester United on a seven-year deal.

One Premier League Goal in 24 Appearances

The numbers tell the story bluntly. Garnacho managed just one Premier League goal across 24 appearances last season, struggling to hold down a starting place under first Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior. Six of his eight goals in all competitions came in domestic cup ties, leaving the club in little doubt that the move had failed to deliver on its early promise.

Chelsea are valuing Garnacho at around £43m — approximately 50 million euros — and the noises out of the club are clear: they will only entertain permanent offers. Reports have linked Roma with loan interest from Serie A, but Chelsea are not minded to go down that route. Premier League clubs, European outfits and sides from Saudi Arabia are all believed to have registered interest, with talks described as open and advancing with several parties.

There is also a financial footnote for Manchester United to consider. Old Trafford retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause, meaning any deal at Chelsea's asking price would generate around £4.3m heading back to United.

Alonso's Rebuild Gathers Pace

Garnacho's situation sits within a broader summer overhaul at the Bridge under new head coach Xabi Alonso. Chelsea have already moved quickly in the market, bringing in full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47m and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting for £40m. On the other side of the ledger, Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid for £52m and Tyrique George has moved to Everton in a deal that could reach £24m.

The club are also in the market for a centre-back, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix understood to be among the targets, while Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria is in talks over a switch to west London. Trevoh Chalobah's representatives, meanwhile, are reportedly exploring options at Inter Milan and Como.

A substantial number of further departures are expected before the window closes, suggesting Chelsea's football operation is working hard to give Alonso a leaner, more focused group to take into next season.

Pre-Season Tour Looming

Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League last season — a deeply underwhelming return for a club of their resources — and are due to head on a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia within the next fortnight. Whether Garnacho travels with the squad or departs before then remains to be seen, but the direction of travel seems clear. A club that has spent heavily on wide options has decided the Argentine does not fit the picture Alonso is painting, and they want this one resolved cleanly and permanently.

The market will now determine whether Chelsea's £43m valuation finds any takers.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Why is Garnacho not training with Chelsea?
Chelsea are actively trying to sell Garnacho and have left him out of pre-season training at Cobham as a result. The club want a permanent deal rather than a loan and are in talks with several interested parties.
How much are Chelsea asking for Garnacho?
Chelsea are valuing Garnacho at around £43m (50 million euros) and will only consider permanent offers. Manchester United are also due 10% of any sale fee.
Which clubs are interested in signing Garnacho from Chelsea?
According to reports, Premier League clubs, European sides and teams in Saudi Arabia have all shown interest. Roma have been linked with a loan move, but Chelsea are not open to that option.