Alonso Decides Garnacho's Fate as Chelsea Launch Summer Clear-Out

Xabi Alonso has determined that Alejandro Garnacho does not fit his plans at Chelsea, with the Blues bracing themselves for a significant summer overhaul at Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish manager inked a four-year deal at Chelsea last month following BlueCo's decision to dispense with both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior after a 2025/26 season that fell some way short of expectations. Tenth place in the Premier League and no European football saw the club embark on a fresh start.

Alonso's appointment has marked a tactical shift, with the club awarding him the 'manager' title—a step up from the 'head coach' designation given to his predecessors—and crucially, he negotiated significant control over recruitment matters. He's keen to bring in two or three established performers to complement the young talent already on the books, though departures will be necessary to free up space.

Several squad members have already signalled their intentions to move on. Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have both made their desires known, with Chelsea placing valuations of £120m and £60m respectively on their heads, though the club are not actively pushing them out the door according to reports.

Backup stopper Filip Jorgensen, who arrived for £20m in summer 2024, is a different prospect. Unable to dislodge Robert Sanchez from the number one spot and having already indicated his wish to leave, he's available for the right price. Axel Disasi, signed three years ago for £38.5m, is another candidate for the exit door after his loan stint at West Ham ended with the Hammers' drop into the Championship.

The striker situation presents a particular headache. Nicolas Jackson is returning from his Bayern Munich loan spell—a move that failed to become permanent despite Chelsea's hopes—and with Joao Pedro having enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 campaign, Jackson's path to regular football looks treacherous. The Senegal international is unlikely to receive the game-time assurances he's seeking, leaving Chelsea prepared to move on at least one of Jackson, Marc Guiu, or Liam Delap.

As for Garnacho, Alonso has decided the £40m arrival from Manchester United last summer doesn't warrant a place in his Chelsea project. The 21-year-old managed just a solitary goal and four assists across 24 Premier League appearances, and with the club hunting for a fresh versatile attacking option, they're open to offers for the winger—even with six years remaining on his contract.

Fellow summer signing Jamie Gittens has similarly underwhelmed, but the £52m purchase will be afforded more patience given that injury problems compromised his debut campaign at the club.