Chelsea winger skips pre-season training during sale talks

Chelsea began pre-season training on Thursday at Cobham for players not at the World Cup, but Alejandro Garnacho was absent from the sessions. The 21-year-old has not joined the squad as the club seeks a permanent transfer. Chelsea values the winger in the £43 million range and will only consider permanent offers, though loan interest from Serie A club Roma has been reported.

Arabian clubs have shown interest, with talks advancing with several parties. Manchester United is due 10 percent of any sale proceeds. Garnacho scored one Premier League goal in 24 appearances last season after struggling to secure regular starts. Any departure forms part of Chelsea's squad reshaping under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea completed incoming transfers of full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting for £40 million. The club also sold left-back Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £52 million and winger Tyrique George to Everton for a fee that could reach £24 million.

The club is targeting a centre-back, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix among the options, while Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria is in talks to join. Additional departures are expected, including potential moves for Trevoh Chalobah to Italian clubs Inter Milan and Como.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and will tour Australia and Asia in the coming fortnight.