Alonso reveals Garnacho's Chelsea exit is likely due to external suitors.

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has effectively confirmed Alejandro Garnacho is on his way out of Stamford Bridge, revealing the club is already discussing the Argentine winger’s future amid growing interest from several clubs.

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Speaking at his first press conference as Chelsea boss, Alonso admitted Garnacho is attracting interest from elsewhere and expressed hope that a deal would soon be reached.

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“The situation is we have spoken with the sports directors, and there’s an interest in him from other clubs. So let’s see how it develops, but hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all parties,” Alonso said.

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According to Goal, Alonso’s comments have all but opened the door for Garnacho’s departure, just one year after the Argentina international completed a high-profile move from Manchester United.

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The 22-year-old has not returned to first-team training under the new manager after reaching an agreement with Chelsea to stay away from the squad while he explores his next move.

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The development comes after Alonso also confirmed that Serie A side Roma are among the clubs interested in signing Garnacho, although Italian giants Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan have also been linked with the winger.

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Chelsea, however, are understood to prefer a permanent transfer rather than another loan deal as they continue reshaping the squad ahead of the new season.

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Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United for a reported £40 million last summer but endured a disappointing debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

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He managed just one Premier League goal as Chelsea finished 10th and failed to qualify for European competition, while his struggles at club level also contributed to his omission from Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Manchester United are also set to benefit financially from any sale after negotiating a 10 per cent sell-on clause when they agreed to let the winger leave.

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Alonso’s confirmation comes as Chelsea continue a major squad overhaul under the Spaniard, who officially began work last week after replacing Mauricio Pochettino.

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While backing Enzo Fernández to remain at the club amid Real Madrid speculation, Alonso has made it clear that Garnacho’s future lies elsewhere.

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“We are starting from zero,” Alonso said of Chelsea’s rebuild.

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“For sure, returning to Europe is a goal. But to reach that goal, you need to do many right things. We are ambitious and we need to show that energy, ambition and hunger to achieve success.”

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According to Goal, Chelsea’s hierarchy remain unwilling to sanction another loan move for Garnacho, insisting any exit must be a permanent transfer as the club looks to recoup a significant portion of its investment and balance its finances ahead of the 2026/27 season.

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