AI-Qadish submit official for Alejandro Garnacho as Saudi club prepares lucrative offer

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Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah have made an official enquiry for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho and are prepared to meet the Blues’ £40 million valuation, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

The ambitious Saudi club, which has been aggressively targeting top-tier European talent to bolster its squad ahead of the new season, is now preparing a substantial salary offer for the 22year-old Argentine. Discussions between the parties are expected to take place in the coming days, but no agreement has been reached and Garnacho ha yet to make a decision on his future.

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Chelsea’s Stance: Permanent Sale Only

Chelsea are open to selling Garnacho this summer but will not entertain loan offers for the winger. The club’s hierarchy does not consider the Argentina international “untouchable” and is ready to facilitate a permanent exit if a suitable proposal arrives.

The decision comes less than a year after Chelsea signed Garnacho from Manchester United for £40 million. The move was intended as a long-term investment, but the winger has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge. He scored just once in the Premier League last season and started only one of Chelsea’s final 12 fixtures—the FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds United at Wembley.

He was also an unused substitute in the season finale against Sunderland, a match Chelsea lost 2-1, costing them European qualification.

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Garnacho’s Frustration and Uncertain Future

From Garnacho’s perspective, sources indicate he has been left disappointed by a lack of opportunities, particularly towards the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

It remains unclear whether new manager Xabi Alonso views the Argentine as part of his long-term plans at Stamford Bridge. Alonso, who has been given the title of “manager” rather than “head coach” due to his significant role in transfer decisions, is expected to hold his unveiling press conference on Monday.

Garnacho was notably absent from Chelsea’s first pre-season training sessions at Cobham this week and did not feature in any of the club’s photographs from the opening day. The club has not commented on his absence.

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Other Interest and Sell-On Clause

Al-Qadsiah are not alone in their pursuit. AS Roma have also registered concrete interest and are exploring a loan deal with a mandatory buy-out clause. However, Chelsea’s firm stance against loan arrangements means any move for the winger would likely need to be permanent.

Several Premier League clubs are also quietly monitoring Garnacho’s situation, though Al-Qadsiah’s financial firepower makes them a highly credible threat in the race for his signature.

Meanwhile, Manchester United—Garnacho’s former club—will be watching developments closely due to a 10% sell-on clause included in the original £40 million deal.

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What’s Next?

With formal talks yet to commence between the clubs, Garnacho faces a pivotal career decision: remain in European football or consider a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Qadsiah are searching for a young left-sided attacker to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, and are prepared to offer terms that could prove difficult to refuse.

For Chelsea, a permanent sale would provide immediate funds for squad restructuring as Alonso looks to reshape his attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

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