London, July 11: Alejandro Garnacho was absent when Chelsea’s first-team players returned for pre-season training, with the Premier League club reportedly looking to secure a permanent transfer for the winger this summer.
The 21-year-old did not join his teammates at Cobham on Thursday as preparations got underway for the new campaign, further fuelling speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho endured a difficult first season with Chelsea following his reported £40 million move from Manchester United, managing just one Premier League goal in 24 appearances while struggling for regular starts under Enzo Maresca and later Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea are understood to value the Argentine winger at around £43 million (€50 million) and are prepared to consider only permanent offers. Several clubs from the Premier League, Europe and Saudi Arabia are believed to have expressed interest, with negotiations said to be progressing. Serie A side Roma have also been linked with the player, although reports suggest Chelsea are not keen on a loan move. Manchester United are reportedly entitled to 10 per cent of any future transfer fee.Garnacho’s potential departure forms part of Chelsea’s summer squad overhaul under new manager Xabi Alonso.The Blues have already strengthened their squad by signing full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting, while Marc Cucurella has completed a move to Real Madrid and Tyrique George has joined Everton.Chelsea are also targeting defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix and Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria among the players linked with moves to west London.The London club, which finished 10th in the Premier League last season, will continue preparations for the new campaign before embarking on a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia later this month.With Chelsea reshaping their squad under Xabi Alonso, Garnacho’s absence from pre-season only adds to the growing expectation that his time at Stamford Bridge could soon come to an end. (Agencies)
