Chelsea Ready to Open Exit Door for Alejandro Garnacho: Reports
Per reports, Chelsea have decided that Alejandro Garnacho is no longer in the untouchable bracket at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are willing to open the exit door for the Argentine this summer if a convincing permanent offer comes onto their table, with the first steps already being taken behind the scenes. A number of clubs are showing interest.
The winger arrived from Manchester United last August in a deal worth around £40 million, and at first it seemed a shrewd piece of business from the west London hierarchy. But his first campaign never caught fire as supporters had hoped it would. He started just 14 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League games and scored only one league goal all season.
Garnacho’s overall return of eight goals and four assists from 43 appearances in all competitions is hardly the return expected from a £40 million signing. The poor production ultimately cost him a coveted place in Argentina’s squad for the World Cup in North America. Chelsea, meanwhile, limped to a tenth-placed finish and conceded any European football for the 2026/27 season.
Xabi Alonso is now in charge of the rebuild, and the former United academy graduate does not appear to be central to his vision. Chelsea’s public valuation is a whopping £90 million, more than double the fee they paid 12 months ago. But sources suggest £60 million could be the magic number that earns the Blues’ approval. Manchester United will be watching with great interest, having inserted a 10% sell-on clause which entitles them to a slice of any sale.
Where Should Alejandro Garnacho Go Next to Restore His Reputation?
For Garnacho, the strongest pull is Italy, with Napoli having made themselves frontrunners for his signature. Massimiliano Allegri wants to bring in some fresh legs in the final third before the new campaign, and a move to Naples would see Garnacho link up with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund. Both those former United men departed Old Trafford before going on to shine in Serie A, providing the stuttering Argentine with a promising blueprint.
Roma have also been in the frame, although their wish for a loan deal clashes awkwardly with Chelsea’s firm stance for a permanent deal. Como continued to hang around after several talks with the Blues over multiple players, keeping a wider negotiation going. Arguably, Atletico Madrid have the most romantic pitch of all. They have long admired the Madrid-born forward and dangle the prospect of a homecoming.
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have flexed their financial muscle, and Garnacho is said not to be opposed to that adventure at this stage of his career. The obvious sticking point is structural, with a number of suitors chasing loans while Chelsea remain stubbornly committed to a full sale. His contract runs until 2032, which gives Chelsea the leverage to wait patiently for their asking price.
