Chelsea open to Alejandro Garnacho exit after one season as Xabi Alonso era begins

The club are favouring a permanent sale over a loan agreement containing purchase obligations.

The 22-year-old joined the Blues in a deal worth 40 million pounds last off-season but struggled to make a significant impact during the 2025-26 campaign.

Garnacho is understood to have grown frustrated by his limited opportunities late in the season, having started only one of Chelsea's final 12 matches. That lone appearance from the outset came in a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium.

Although his season fell below expectations, interest in Garnacho remains strong because quality wide players continue to be in high demand. AS Roma are among the clubs credited with an interest, although no club-to-club discussions had begun earlier this week.

His future has become an immediate talking point after he failed to appear when Chelsea's non-World Cup contingent returned to Cobham on Thursday.

Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and the rest of the available squad completed fitness assessments before beginning pre-season work under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Garnacho is not thought to have participated in Alonso's opening training sessions, while Chelsea declined to explain his absence or confirm whether it was injury-related or due to another reason.

Alonso, the 44-year-old Spaniard, is scheduled to be formally unveiled on Monday and is expected to face questions over Garnacho's situation, along with the futures of several other players.