Chelsea may already be willing to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho, who they only signed last summer, and for £40million no less.
The Blues worked hard to get the signing of Alejandro Garnacho over the line last summer, having previously shown interest in the winger during the preceding January transfer window, and they moved to get their man ahead of what turned out to be a disappointing season for all involved.
Chelsea missed out on European football and sacked two managers during the season, leaving them seeing out the season with interim boss Calum McFarlane in charge. But Xabi Alonso has since been appointed, and planning for the new season can now go ahead.
Alejandro Garnacho could already be expended
Garnacho was heavily involved for Chelsea this season, racking up 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight and assisting four, but he was often a substitute due to Pedro Neto, Estevao and even Cole Palmer - when playing wide - ahead of him in most cases.
It's not an easy job to make a big impact from the bench at a big club, and Garnacho is only 21 years of age, but he may not have done enough to remain at Stamford Bridge.
According to Simon Phillips on his Substack, Chelsea are actively offering Garnacho to other clubs, and they are asking for £40million to ensure they make their money back on the young talent this summer.
That may point towards something of a reset in this Chelsea squad this summer, especially given Chelsea could do with more options on the wing, although it's true they could also do with higher-quality options.
Garnacho certainly has talent, and he could yet develop into a very good player who can thrive at the top level. From that point of view, and given Chelsea's focus on young talent, the news is surprising - assuming it's true - but Xabi Alonso may have had input already in Chelsea's summer squad planning, and Garnacho may pay the price.
Garnacho's Chelsea dream
When he joined Chelsea last year, Garnacho spoke of how he followed Chelsea as a youngster growing up in Spain. He told the club website: "I’ve seen those pictures of me in that Chelsea kit. I really liked watching Chelsea when I was younger.
"I loved Eden Hazard. Eden was one of my idols and a big reason why I watched and supported Chelsea a bit when I was younger. He was such an incredible player, playing in the same position that I wanted to, coming inside, scoring goals – he was crazy good."
It would be a huge blow for Garnacho to see his Chelsea dream die so early, but it only highlights the work he will have to do this pre-season to impress Alonso and avoid that scenario playing out.
Add us as a preferred source on Google