Chelsea to consider only permanent transfer for Alejandro Garnacho this summer
The Blues want their full £40 million back after the winger managed just four Premier League starts in a forgettable debut season at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea paid £40 million to bring Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United last September. Less than a year later, the club is ready to move him on, and they’re not interested in half-measures.
The west London club will only entertain permanent transfer offers for the Argentine winger this summer, ruling out any loan arrangements as new manager Xabi Alonso reshapes the squad to fit his vision. Chelsea’s asking price sits around £40 million, essentially what they paid for him.
A debut season best described as forgettable
Garnacho reportedly managed just four starts in the Premier League during the 2025/26 season. For context, that’s roughly one start every nine league matches. Chelsea supporters have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the Argentine’s contribution.
Why permanent only, no loans
Chelsea’s insistence on a permanent deal tells you everything about the club’s current thinking. A loan would keep Garnacho on the books, his wages ticking away, while someone else gets the benefit of his development.
Xabi Alonso’s appointment has triggered a broader squad overhaul, and Garnacho is clearly not part of the vision going forward.
There’s also the Manchester United angle. The Red Devils negotiated a 10% sell-on clause when they sold Garnacho to Chelsea. That means if Chelsea gets their full £40 million asking price, United would pocket £4 million from the deal.
Early interest and the road ahead
AS Roma has reportedly made preliminary inquiries about Garnacho, though nothing has progressed beyond the tire-kicking stage.
The challenge for any buying club is that £40 million valuation. Garnacho’s stock has objectively dropped since his move to Chelsea. Clubs in the market for a winger will rightly ask why they should pay the same price Chelsea did when the player has barely played competitive football for nearly a full season.
If Roma or another club meets Chelsea’s asking price, United’s 10% sell-on clause means the original selling club benefits too, creating a scenario where all three parties walk away with something.