New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed five senior players that they are free to leave Stamford Bridge as he begins a major overhaul of his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, winger Alejandro Garnacho and striker Liam Delap have all been told they are no longer part of Alonso’s plans.
The five players are estimated to have a combined market value of around £160 million.
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Alonso, who only recently took charge of Chelsea, is wasting little time reshaping his squad after the club’s disappointing campaign.
Speaking during his first press conference, the Spaniard hinted that Garnacho could be on his way out amid growing interest from another club.
“We have spoken to the sporting director and there’s interest from him, from another club, so let’s see how it develops,” Alonso said.
“I hope it finishes in the best possible way for all parties.”
Garnacho, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United last summer, endured a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 43 appearances.
Striker Liam Delap also struggled to make a significant impact after arriving from Ipswich Town, finishing the campaign with two goals and four assists in 41 appearances.
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Defenders Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi also found game time difficult to come by. Disasi eventually spent the second half of last season out on loan after falling out of favour, while Badiashile featured only sparingly.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen similarly failed to establish himself as Chelsea’s first choice, making just 12 appearances throughout the season.
Chelsea have already begun reinforcing Alonso’s squad with the arrivals of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Marco Palestra ahead of the new campaign.
Several first-team players who featured at the FIFA World Cup are also expected to report for pre-season training in the coming days as Alonso continues preparations for his first season in charge of the Blues.
