Man Utd & Chelsea battle it out for European champion as Arsenal eye £44m wingerplaceholder image
Man Utd & Chelsea battle it out for European champion as Arsenal eye £44m winger | Getty Images
Chelsea are looking to make further additions before the transfer window shuts on September 1
Chelsea are in the market for further signings before the summer window closes. The Blues get their campaign underway at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
It feels like Enzo Maresca’s side have hardly been away after they spent four weeks in June and July playing in and then winning the Club World Cup. It has been a busy summer for the club but now talks are said to be “well underway” for their next addition.
Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato, Estevao Willian, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr have all signed for the Blues this summer while Kendry Paez has also joined but headed straight to Strasbourg on loan.
A number of players have also moved on from West London on permanent deals to allow room for more signings. One star being eyed is Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho. He has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and is keen to leave the Red Devils this summer.
He was linked with Chelsea back in January but United demanded £70m for his signature, amid interest from Napoli at the time. Given the player’s desire to leave United, Chelsea could get him for a reduced fee although an exact figure has not yet been revealed.
Fabrizio Romano gives update on Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea
Providing an update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Garnacho, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: “Chelsea step up talks for Alejandro Garnacho! Club to club discussions with Man United are now well underway.
“Garnacho only wants Chelsea, personal terms are agreed and the two clubs are in negotiation over fee. Garnacho, expected to become Chelsea player this summer.”
Garnacho came through the academy at United and is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028. He has made 144 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists. He is not set to be part of United’s squad when they open their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
He is one of several players linked with a United exit and has not been involved in any of their summer friendlies. He has been the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa this window but Chelsea is his preferred destination.
Enzo Maresca on Chelsea transfer priority
“It is a priority for me,” said of signing a new defender.
He continued: “Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him. He played a lot of games with me, I love him. We are going to miss him.”
Crystal Palace are the Blues first opponents of the new campaign but Maresca has admitted signing a replacement for Colwill may not be straightforward, as he added: “We are also trying to find different solutions.”
Continue Reading