Chelsea open to permanent Alejandro Garnacho exit after one season

Chelsea are actively seeking a permanent departure for winger Alejandro Garnacho, just one year after the player arrived at Stamford Bridge. Following a campaign that resulted in a tenth-placed finish and no European qualification for the 2026/27 season, the club has signaled that the 22-year-old is no longer considered an untouchable member of the squad.

Garnacho, who joined from Manchester United in August 2025 in a deal valued at approximately £40 million, has been granted leave from pre-season training as his future remains unresolved. With new manager Xabi Alonso overseeing a squad rebuild, the Argentine has not been integrated into the current sessions at Cobham. Chelsea are prioritizing a definitive sale to rebalance their finances, having already sanctioned the departure of academy graduate Tyrique George to Everton earlier this month.

While Chelsea have publicly floated a valuation reaching £90 million, reports suggest that a proposal in the region of £60 million could be sufficient to secure the club's approval. Any eventual sale will be of particular interest to Manchester United, which retains a 10 percent sell-on clause from the original transfer. The complexity of the move is compounded by the varying preferences of interested clubs; while Chelsea are pushing for a full transfer, several suitors have expressed interest primarily in loan structures.

The Italian market has emerged as a significant destination for the winger. Napoli, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, have identified Garnacho as a primary target to bolster their attacking options. The club has reportedly maintained a long-standing interest in the player, though their pursuit is complicated by a preference for a loan with an option or obligation to buy. Similarly, Roma has engaged in talks regarding a loan arrangement, though these discussions face friction against Chelsea’s firm stance on permanent departures. Como has also been linked to the player, with reports suggesting his name has surfaced during wider, multi-player negotiations between the clubs.

From Spain, Atletico Madrid remains a notable contender. As a Madrid-born forward who developed within the club's youth academy, Garnacho is a long-term target for the La Liga side. Unlike the Italian clubs pursuing temporary deals, Atletico’s interest is framed around a potential permanent homecoming, though internal financial constraints present a hurdle to meeting Chelsea’s asking price.

Interest from the Saudi Pro League has also been documented, with clubs from the Gulf region reportedly mobilizing their financial resources to test Chelsea’s resolve.

Chelsea are under no immediate pressure to force a quick sale, as the player is tied to a contract running until 2032. However, the club is optimistic regarding the progress of negotiations. With the squad scheduled to depart for an Australia pre-season tour on 25 July 2026, the coming fortnight is expected to be decisive in determining whether a permanent suitor can meet the financial requirements necessary to finalize the exit. If a direct purchase remains elusive, it is possible that Chelsea may pivot to a loan deal featuring a mandatory purchase clause, provided the structure meets their evolving criteria for a full exit.