Xabi Alonso ready to correct Maresca mistake with £60m Garnacho swoop

Chelsea are open to parting ways with Alejandro Garnacho just one year after signing him from Manchester United, with the 22-year-old struggling to justify his price tag at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have set an asking price of £60 million for the winger, who has managed only eight goals and four assists in 43 appearances in all competitions since his move.

The Premier League club paid around £40 million to land Garnacho last summer, but his performances have not convinced the hierarchy that he can become a key figure in the long term. As a result, Chelsea are ready to listen to offers and recoup a fee that would represent a healthy profit on their initial outlay.

Alonso keen to provide Garnacho with fresh start

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly interested in rectifying what he sees as a misjudgement by Enzo Maresca, who gave the green light to sign Garnacho. The German champions are monitoring the situation closely and believe the Argentine could flourish under a different tactical setup. Alonso has built a reputation for developing young talent, and Garnacho's raw attributes could be polished in the Bundesliga.

Garnacho himself is eager for more regular game time, and a departure from West London would suit all parties. The South American has often been deployed from the bench or rotated heavily, limiting his ability to build rhythm. A move to a club where he is a guaranteed starter could unlock the form that made him a standout at Old Trafford.

Napoli have also been linked with the forward, but the Serie A side are unlikely to meet Chelsea's valuation. The £60 million asking price is considered steep, particularly for a player who has yet to consistently deliver top-level numbers. The Italian club may need to explore alternative targets or attempt to negotiate a lower fee.

For Chelsea, offloading Garnacho would free up both wages and squad space as they look to invest in more proven attacking reinforcements. The Argentine is seen as a sellable asset while his value has not dropped significantly. Should a club like Leverkusen match the price tag, the transfer could be completed swiftly this summer.

Garnacho remains a talented prospect, yet his time at Chelsea has exposed the gap between potential and reliability. A fresh challenge under an elite tactician such as Alonso might be exactly what he needs to reignite his career. All eyes will be on whether the two parties can reach an agreement in the coming weeks.