Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed five senior players that they are free to leave the club as he begins reshaping his squad ahead of the new season.
According to reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile, winger Alejandro Garnacho, and striker Liam Delap have all been deemed surplus to requirements and granted permission to seek transfers during the summer transfer window.
The quintet are said to have a combined market value of approximately £160 million.
Alonso, who officially commenced pre-season training with the Blues at Cobham last week, has made clear his intention to build a team defined by intensity, discipline and a winning mentality.
Speaking at his first press conference as Chelsea manager, the Spaniard said his priority was to instil the right mindset within the squad.
“We want to be active, we want to be brave, we want to play good football and compete well. Above all, we need the right mentality. That is fundamental to understanding what is required at every moment. We want to show that we are ready to compete,” he said.
The Chelsea boss also addressed speculation surrounding Garnacho’s future, confirming that interest exists from another club.
“We have spoken to the sporting director and there is interest from another club, so let’s see how it develops. I hope it finishes in the best possible way for all parties,” Alonso said.
Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United for a reported £40 million last summer but struggled to make a significant impact during his debut season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 43 appearances.
Delap, who arrived from Ipswich Town in a deal reportedly worth £30 million, also endured a difficult campaign, registering two goals and four assists in 41 appearances.
Badiashile featured just 16 times across all competitions last season, while Disasi spent the second half of the campaign on loan at West Ham United after falling out of Chelsea’s first-team plans.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who signed a long-term contract after joining the club in 2024, made only 12 appearances during the last campaign.
Chelsea have already bolstered their squad this summer with the signings of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Marco Palestra, all of whom have joined pre-season preparations. Players currently participating in the FIFA World Cup are expected to rejoin the squad following the conclusion of the tournament.