Alejandro Garnacho has stayed away from the Chelsea group during pre-season while the Premier League side works to complete a transfer for the forward.

Chelsea opened pre-season drills on Thursday for first-team players not involved in the World Cup, yet Garnacho did not appear at the Cobham facility.

This absence highlights the 21-year-old's unclear role at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing campaign that followed his £40m arrival from Manchester United on a seven-year deal.

Chelsea have set Garnacho's price around £43m (50m Euros) and will consider only permanent deals, even as loan inquiries from Serie A side Roma have surfaced.

Interest has also come from Premier League sides, other European clubs and teams in Saudi Arabia, with discussions progressing among multiple bidders. Manchester United stand to receive 10% of any final fee.

Garnacho managed just one Premier League goal across 24 appearances, many from the bench, as he found regular starts difficult under Enzo Maresca and later Liam Rosenior.

Any departure forms part of a wider squad overhaul this summer under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea have already secured full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47m and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting for £40m.

The club have completed two notable exits, sending left-back Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £52m and winger Tyrique George to Everton in a deal that could reach £24m.

The Blues continue to pursue a centre-back, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix on their list, while Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria discusses a move to west London.

Further departures are anticipated, including Trevoh Chalobah whose representatives are examining options with Inter Milan and Como in Italy.

Chelsea ended last season in 10th place in the Premier League and will soon embark on a pre-season tour across Australia and Asia.