Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca looks deep in thought during pre-season.placeholder image
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca looks deep in thought during pre-season. | Getty Images
Chelsea have been targeting further attacking signings towards the end of the transfer window
Chelsea have already assembled an assortment of attacking options to compete for places in Enzo Maresca’s squad in the new season, but if reports are true they are still targeting multiple further attacking signings before the transfer window shuts.
The Blues’ expertise at selling off unwanted players should not be underestimated, as the club has already made over £200million from sales this summer to theoretically ensure they still have money left to spend.
The sticking point appears to be around United’s asking price - as the Red Devils are reportedly demanding £50m for the winger as per The Telegraph, while Chelsea are said to value the Argentina international at around £30m according to a fresh report. If this gap in valuation is not resolved, the Blues may need to look at other options.
Chelsea should consider three Garnacho alternatives
We decided to have a look at some options Chelsea could consider should they opt to move on from Garnacho. There are a lot of top-quality left wingers on the market at the moment and we have picked out three who could be equally effective options for the Blues to elevate their attacking options to a whole new level.
Rafael Leao - AC Milan: When considering the top wingers in European football who have been touted for a big move for several years now, it is difficult to look past AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. The 26-year-old has shone for the Rossoneri ever since a €35m move from Lille in 2019, scoring 55 Serie A goals including a career-best of 15 league strikes in 2022/23. Milan’s strict stance on his valuation has ensured that the Portugal international has stayed put until now.
The Italian giants finished in a lowly position of 8th last season and so the time may be now for Leao to depart Serie A in search of a return to the Champions League. He has been a reported target for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with his pace and trickery seemingly tailor-made for the Premier League, exemplified by his goal and assist against Liverpool in pre-season.
But Milan may demand €100m (£86m) for their prized asset according to reports from Italy, which would make a deal complicated. Nevertheless, if Chelsea can offer squad players to the Italian club as part of the deal and hope Leao pushes for an exit, there is a chance an asking price could be negotiated down to a more achievable fee.
Two more wingers Chelsea could consider this summer
Kaoru Mitoma - Brighton: Another winger who has been on Chelsea’s wish list in the past is Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma. The Japan international is at the peak of his powers and of course already Premier League proven, while there is a good business relationship between the two clubs and the Blues may feel confident that they can get a deal done. While the 28-year-old may fall slightly outside Chelsea’s model of buying young players, it is important to have experience in any title-challenging side and Mitoma would instantly arrive as one of the most experienced players in Chelsea’s squad. He quietly reached double figures for Premier League goals last season and could immediately improve the Blues’ starting XI.
Malick Fofana - Lyon: More of a long-term option, 20-year-old Lyon and Belgium winger Malick Fofana has been targeted by Premier League clubs and is viewed as a very bright prospect who would fit in very easily with the project at Stamford Bridge. Recently the subject of a £30m bid from Everton, Fofana reportedly wants to move to a Champions League club and Chelsea could yet be his destination.
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