HONG KONG, CHINA - MAY 30: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looks up prior to the match between Manchester United and Hon
Alejandro Garnacho has been axed from the first-team by Ruben Amorim. (Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
The potential transfer of Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea has signified a persistent rumour throughout the summer. Despite numerous signings for the left-wing position over the past two months, it hasn't quashed the speculation, merely postponed any action resulting from it.
As early as January, Chelsea had their sights set on the sidelined forward. His standing under Ruben Amorim had rapidly declined and injuries at Stamford Bridge necessitated innovative solutions. With Christopher Nkunku seeking a move, United boasting former RB Leipzig boss Christopher Vivell, and both clubs eager for a breakthrough, discussions began but didn't lead anywhere.
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Neither Garnacho nor Nkunku finished the season on a high note and both have long been anticipated to leave. It won't be part of a swap deal or even two separate transfers between the clubs, but the wheels had started turning.
Even back in January, Garnacho's mere presence on Chelsea's shortlist was irksome to some. Why was a disregarded 20-year-old from a team languishing in the lower half seen as the solution to Enzo Maresca's issues?
Despite some off-pitch antics, such as posting online before the Europa League final expressing his frustration at not starting and wearing a Marcus Rashford Aston Villa shirt while on holiday, coupled with poor form, the potential deal has not gained much traction. Chelsea have already signed two players capable of playing on the left this summer and are set to bring in another.
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United walks past the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team's defeat
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United walks past the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team's defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (Image: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images)
At every turn, it seemed to publicly hinder Garnacho's chances. However, behind closed doors, it appears to have been a different story. Garnacho's situation at United means that a bargain fee for an exciting player with nearly 100 Premier League appearances is still a possibility.
Jamie Gittens was one of those considered in January, but no mid-season move was available. He quickly became the priority once June arrived and the Club World Cup deadline was looming. From an outsider's perspective, it was either Gittens or Garnacho.
Joao Pedro was next. So far, he has primarily been a striker for Maresca but has enough experience on the left to be a serious option there when needed. Xavi Simons is still awaiting the go-ahead to travel to England, but the process to add him to the stacked frontline is well underway.
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Including Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian, and Pedro Neto, Chelsea now have five players who can operate from the left. Simons would be the sixth, Garnacho the seventh. With Pedro, Simons, and Gittens, it is already likely that £171million will be spent on players who can feature on the left side this summer.
Tyrique George, who has had a standout year at his childhood club, could still depart, while Nicolas Jackson, despite having played there previously, doesn't appear to be considered a viable option under Maresca's management. Palmer, Neto, and Estevao all prefer the right side or, in Palmer's case, the centre.
However, during his time in America, Maresca experimented with a more fluid attack, altering the angles and allowing for greater tactical flexibility. So where does Garnacho fit into this equation?
Unlike Simons, he is a natural winger, and when considering player profiles and roles, he is only the second right-footed left winger who operates from the left rather than drifting infield. Chelsea's struggles last season were evident when Jadon Sancho and Nkunku both had to play. The team lacked speed and directness, qualities that Garnacho brings.
Having both Gittens and Garnacho would provide depth for the touchline winger role, advancing into the box. Simons is known for his passing, Gittens for his dribbling, and Garnacho stands out for his ability to get into dangerous positions, receive in smart areas and produce high-quality shots.
Like Gittens, his decision-making needs improvement, but Chelsea would hope that in a better team and environment, he could make a more significant impact.
Garnacho, a player of immense potential, boasts an impressive set of skills. Despite his young age, he has gained significant experience and has performed well at a club that is not particularly well-managed.
The expectation is that in a more stable and cohesive team, he would be able to make better use of the attacking positions he finds himself in. This approach certainly makes sense.
Manchester United v Athletic Club - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg
Garnacho has been frozen out after being critical of Ruben Amorim. (Image: Getty)
If Chelsea decide to bide their time with United, they could potentially secure Garnacho on a bargain deal, putting them in a strong position. The challenge will be ensuring he gets enough playing time alongside Gittens and Simons to continue his development and keep all parties satisfied.
However, Garnacho's reputation precedes him. He has been labelled as a troublemaker. Is this the type of personality, associated with leaking team information at Old Trafford and criticised for lack of effort in training, that Chelsea are willing to gamble on?
They can either believe in their ability to manage him and help him flourish in a less hostile environment, or they could be making a mistake. Chelsea have a burgeoning group of young players who are progressing well. They have developed a winning mentality, which promises further success in the future, and have managed to stabilise after a turbulent 18 months.
Only time will tell how a potential transfer will be perceived. His brother, though vocal on social media, is still a teenager. It's one of the warning signs, but Chelsea would back Garnacho to prove his worth on the pitch and offset any off-field distractions. This is why Garnacho continues to be a player of immense interest. Whether rightly or wrongly, the speculation simply refuses to die down.