Alejandro Garnacho’s chances of leaving Manchester United this summer appear to depend on a deal being agreed with Chelsea before the transfer window shuts.
Garnacho is free to leave United for the right price having fallen out with Ruben Amorim and been left out of their pre-season plans. The Argentine wants to stay in the Premier League and Chelsea are keen on his signature.
United are close to signing Benjamin Sesko for £74m from RB Leipzig having already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to their squad – meaning Garnacho has no way back at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho dribbles the ball for Manchester United against Chelsea in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
And while Chelsea have added Estevao Willian, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens to their squad, they are also looking to offload wide players, so Garnacho could find a home at Stamford Bridge.
Whether he would be a success in West London is another story; however, glowing praise from Javier Mascherano to Juan Sebastian Veron could be a good indicator for the future.
Juan Sebastian Veron and Javier Mascherano previously hailed Alejandro Garnacho’s potential
If Chelsea needed further convincing of Garnacho’s abilities, quotes from Argentina legends Juan Sebastian Veron and Javier Mascherano should add confidence to the potential arrival.
Alejandro Garnacho dribbles past his defender during Argentina's international friendly against El Salvador.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Speaking in 2023 (as relayed by the Manchester Evening News), Veron recalled a chat with Javier Mascherano – then Garnacho’s coach for Argentina under-20s – and was shocked to hear the highest praise from his compatriot.
“I spoke to Javier Mascherano and he fully expects him [Garnacho] to become a star,” Veron said. “Playing for Manchester United at that age is not easy, but I think he has to have patience.
“He needs to work really hard, because he has the chance to become a regular player for a really big team. I really trust Mascherano’s words, so for him to say he is the best young talent in Argentina is a really big compliment – but it just shows his undoubted quality and he is someone who I am sure has a big future.”
Garnacho has shone in moments despite United’s struggles over the past two years, and Chelsea will hope United’s loss is their gain if they get a deal over the line.
Chelsea want to sign Garnacho before the season starts
World Champions Chelsea are looking to further strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, which gets underway in nine days against Crystal Palace.
Enzo Maresca’s side have just been hit by the blow of losing influential defender Levi Colwill to a long-term injury. However, TBR Football understand Chelsea won’t enter the transfer market to sign a replacement.
Ruben Amorim gives instructions to Alejandro Garnacho on the Old Trafford touchline during Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Instead, their remaining business will centre on a double swoop to get Garnacho and RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons over the line before their season opener. TBR Football understands Chelsea want Garnacho and Simons before the new season starts next weekend.
And they hope that both youngsters can be signed for £50m each, which would represent a saving on United’s initial £70m valuation of Garnacho in particular.