Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly not returned for pre-season training with Chelsea this week, amid speculation that the club is prepared to sell the winger less than a year after his £40 million move from Manchester United. The 22-year-old was absent from all club photographs shared from the first day back at Cobham under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Garnacho's Absence and Chelsea's Stance
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea declined to comment when questioned about Garnacho's apparent absence. The report indicates that the west London club is prioritising a permanent departure over a temporary loan, with demand for wingers reportedly high this summer. Garnacho had featured on Argentina's preliminary 55-man World Cup squad but missed the final cut and has not represented his country since November 2024.
Interest from Serie A and Other Clubs
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Italian side AS Roma are keen on the winger. However, early discussions suggest Roma are only willing to take him on loan initially, an option Chelsea currently rejects. The player is reportedly keen on a move to the Serie A club. Other clubs linked with interest include Atletico Madrid, Como, Napoli, and teams from the Saudi Pro League.
Garnacho was born in Madrid and left Atletico for Manchester United in 2020, having come through the ranks at Getafe. A return to Spain after six years away could hold considerable appeal.
Manchester United's Sell-On Clause
Manchester United, who sold Garnacho to Chelsea last summer, hold a 10% sell-on clause. Romano now claims Chelsea want £43 million for the winger, which could land United £4.3 million if the clause is based on the full fee. Garnacho netted eight goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions during a disappointing debut season at Stamford Bridge, with just one of those strikes coming in the Premier League.
Four of his goals came in three domestic cup ties against Cardiff City, Port Vale, and Wrexham. He scored twice against Arsenal in the League Cup semi-finals in mid-January but failed to find the net against another Premier League side after that. He has now spent the best part of a year without holding down a regular starting berth, having already found himself on the fringes towards the end of his time at United.
