Chelsea could be in the running to land Alejandro Garnacho this summer after missing out on the Manchester United winger’s signature in January. And Blues duo Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku may make an immediate dash through the Stamford Bridge exit should the west London giants secure the Argentine’s services.
Garnacho arrived at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and was an important player under former manager Erik ten Hag. But he has been overlooked by Ruben Amorim at times and was left out of the starting line-up in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening as the Red Devils were beaten by Tottenham. The 20-year-old described United’s season as s*** after their European disappointment, with reports suggesting his representatives will meet with club chiefs in the coming days to negotiate a summer departure.
Chelsea entered the race to sign Garnacho in January after Napoli had been linked with a move. But neither club were able to match the Red Devils’ transfer demands as the attacker ultimately stayed put in the north west.
However, the star may attempt to force United’s hand in the coming weeks as he is said to be unhappy with his role under Amorim.
And with any transfer fee representing pure profit under PSR rules, United may agree to move the player on once and for all.
Chelsea have shown a willingness to spend under their current owners and clearly like what they see with Garnacho.
But the player’s arrival in the capital would mean there is little reason for the Blues to keep Sancho, who is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge from the Red Devils. Chelsea have an obligation to buy the star at the end of the season but can get out of the deal if they pay a £5million financial penalty.
Sancho has shown glimpses of his talents since linking up with Enzo Maresca last August. But he has fallen out of favour in recent weeks and has registered just three goals and five assists in 30 Premier League appearances for the Blues.
Nkunku, meanwhile, has been unable to command a regular starting place since Maresca took over from Mauricio Pochettino last summer and has started only nine top-flight matches all season.
He has contributed a mere three goals and two assists in the league and appears to be desperate to reignite his career elsewhere anyway, with Arsenal linked with his signature last month.
And if Garnacho puts pen to paper, there would be little reason for the Frenchman to stick around as it would be unlikely that he would be handed a bigger opportunity than he has already been given by his current boss.
