Chelsea are expected to react today to reports that defender William Gallas has deliberately stayed away from their pre-season training camp in the United States.

The French defender has expressed an eagerness to quit Chelsea, although the London club are keen to offer him a new long-term deal.

"My decision has been taken and is definitive: I want to leave Chelsea," he said in May. "I want to experience another challenge."

Gallas, who turns 29 on August 17th, has been regularly linked with a move to AC Milan and Barcelona, however reports have also suggested him as a possible Arsenal target.

Chelsea are currently preparing for the new Premiership season in Los Angeles, and World Cup stars such as new recruit Michael Ballack joined up with their new team-mates at the weekend, having been afforded three weeks off.