Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Alejandro Garnacho just one year after his £40m move from Manchester United, as negotiations to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria hit a stumbling block.
Chavarria deal requires release clause
Rayo Vallecano have told Chelsea that they must pay Chavarria's £21.5m release clause in full if they want to sign the 28-year-old. The Blues' opening offer of €9m (£7.75m) plus add-ons was swiftly rejected, and BBC Sport reports that Vallecano will not sell unless the clause is triggered.
Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's manager, is looking for a new left-back after selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid. Chavarria, who helped Vallecano reach the UEFA Conference League final last season (lost to Crystal Palace), is seen as an experienced cover for first-choice Jorrel Hato.
Financial constraints and Garnacho sale
Chelsea have been fined again for breaching UEFA's financial rules and have no European football this season, forcing cautious spending. Todd Boehly has already spent over £100m on new signings but recouped £65m from selling Cucurella and Tyrique George to Everton.
To fund a move for a new centre-back, with Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Como's Jacobo Ramon on Alonso's shortlist, more departures may be needed. The club is reportedly open to selling Garnacho permanently, with a loan exit ruled out. The 22-year-old winger, who has interest from Roma, endured a miserable debut season, recording just one goal and four assists in 24 Premier League appearances. Alonso's view on the Argentine is not yet known.
