Transfers
Chelsea’s Garnacho dilemma: permanent sale only, no loans
Chelsea will not accept loan offers for Alejandro Garnacho and are open to a permanent sale this summer. The 22-year-old winger, who joined from Manchester United for £40 million last summer, scored only once in the Premier League last season. Roma had been linked with a loan move, but Chelsea’s stance remains firm on permanent deals only.
Having finished outside the European spots last season, Chelsea are prioritising squad reduction. New manager Xabi Alonso is involved in transfer policy alongside the club’s hierarchy, though his specific view on Garnacho remains undisclosed. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah continues to draw interest from Italian clubs, with Como and Inter Milan among the suitors.
Como, who secured Champions League qualification under Cesc Fabregas, are preparing to table an improved bid for Chalobah this week. Chelsea are seeking £30 million upfront, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. The Blues are also exploring defensive and midfield reinforcements, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix and Como’s Jacobo Ramon among centre-back targets.
Granit Xhaka remains at Sunderland, with the club rejecting Chelsea’s interest. Xhaka, who previously worked with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, is not for sale. Chelsea’s other targets include Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria, though the Spanish club insists on meeting his £21.5 million release clause before talks can progress.
The club’s transfer strategy reflects a clear focus on rebuilding under Alonso, balancing exits and targeted arrivals to reshape the squad ahead of the new season.