Alejandro Garnacho transfer plan confirmed as forgotten star gets Chelsea lifeline
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has discussed Alejandro Garnacho’s future after taking charge of the Blues’ squad last week and provided an update on the futures of other members of his team
Xabi Alonso spoke about Alejandro Garnacho during his first press conference as Chelsea manager(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho is set to leave the club this summer, but striker Nicolas Jackson will be handeda chance to impress during pre-season. Speaking in his first press conference as Blues manager, Alonso set out his stall on the futures of his stars.
football.london understands that a deal for former Manchester United star Garnacho is close. The 22-year-old did not report for pre-season training last week and has interest from teams in the Premier League, Europe and Saudi Arabia with the Blues hoping to earn €50million (£42m) from his sale.
Garnacho has failed to set the pitch alight since arriving at Stamford Bridge and now is set to see his stay end after less than 12 months at the club. Alonso revealed that he had spoken to Chelsea’s sporting directors about the situation, with it understood that the Blues only want to sanction a permanent exit.
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“Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors,” Alonso said on Garnacho. “There is an interest for him from other clubs.
“So let’s see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for other clubs.”
Chelsea striker Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, has been offered a chance to prove himself under Alonso’s tutelage.
The 25-year-old has scored 30 goals in 81 matches for the west London club, managing 14 strikes in the Premier League in his debut season. He will be forced to compete for a spot against Joao Pedro who scored 15 goals in the league last term.
Asked about Jackson, Alonso said: “Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us”.
Alonso also confirmed that he wants Enzo Fernandez to remain at the club next season and that he has spoken to the midfielder, despite the Argentina star still being on World Cup duty.
Chelsea fans will be reassured by Alonso’s high praise of club talisman Cole Palmer after the former Manchester City youngster’s future was speculated upon last season. The Blues boss revealed that Palmer is focused on producing a great season.
“We have had a few trainings already,” Alonso said. “From the first day, you can see he is a special talent.
“It is not easy to have one of those. I’m happy he has come in in a good mood with the mindset to have a great season.”
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