Chelsea are fighting hard on the market despite being away at the Club World Cup and could now be about to take the next step in their pursuit of a winger, according to Simon Phillips.
Chelsea chase Jamie Gittens deal and could sanction surprise exit
Following the Blues' early spree in the window, Enzo Maresca has set his eyes on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and it has now been confirmed that Chelsea are still well in the fight for his signature.
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Londoners have remained in contact to sign the England Under-21 international. Most importantly, out of all transfer options, he only wants a move to Stamford Bridge.
Intriguingly, Noni Madueke could be someone that could make way at Chelsea this summer if the price is right, with Phillips, who we will hear more from later on, stating: "Maybe they even look to end up bringing in two more out-and-out wingers, and they may well need them depending on the future of Noni Madueke as well, who Chelsea will listen to offers for."
Most supporters wouldn't be delighted at the prospect of the England international getting sold. From a fan perspective, Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling walking through the exit door would be far more productive amid their poor loan spells at AC Milan and Arsenal.
With the transfer merry-go-round now heating up, Chelsea may now be advancing for a star who could send shockwaves around the Premier League if he were to move to West London.
Phillips: Chelsea stepping up Alejandro Garnacho pursuit
Writing in his Si Phillips Talks Chelsea Substack, Phillips has detailed that Chelsea are now discussing a loan-to-buy agreement for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho in light of their desire to secure reinforcements out wide.
He explained: "Until now, our sources had not heard too much on Garnacho other than tentative interest. However, we have been hearing more and more noise on this one throughout this week, and fresh info has also just come in on him.
Jadon Sancho vs Alejandro Garnacho - who had the better record last season?
Jadon Sancho
Alejandro Garnacho
"SPTC sources have heard that Chelsea have been discussing signing Garnacho on a loan to buy deal, just as they did with Jadon Sancho.
"Of course, both players are Manchester United players, so it would not be a deal that would be unfamiliar to either club and could suit both if the fee is right. I’m not sure if it would be a permanent buy with an option to send him back with a fee, or a straight loan with an option/obligation."
Seemingly forming a similar fashion to their arrangement involving Jadon Sancho, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United would allow what is essentially a 'try before you buy' deal after the Blues sent the former Dortmund man back to Old Trafford via a £5 million penalty fee.
Nevertheless, Garnacho, who was praised for his "brilliant" assist for the Red Devils against Real Sociedad earlier this year by Paul Scholes would definitely be a player that would come into starting contention at Stamford Bridge if he were to join this window.
There are plenty of intriguing transfer stories doing the rounds involving Chelsea right now, but this one may be one of the most complicated and multi-faceted deals to conclude, especially with his price tag reportedly sitting at £70 million.