Chelsea are advancing in talks with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho, the latest report has claimed.
The Blues' start to the Premier League season was disappointing, with the club held to a goalless stalemate by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca has expressed his desire to sign more players before the closure of the transfer window, and some fans have speculated that the Londoners could sign a centre-back following Levi Colwill's ACL injury.
Recent reports have suggested that the Blues are in fact still in the market for a forward player, with the likes of RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Manchester United's Garnacho linked.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea have made progress in talks with United for Garnacho, adding that the winger has turned down an approach from Bayern due to his desire to play for the Londoners.
Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho on May 25, 2025
Garnacho in profile: Should Enzo Maresca sign Manchester United forward?
Garnacho has fallen out with United manager Ruben Amorim and played no part for the club in pre-season, and the 21-year-old endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign.
In 36 Premier League games last term, the Argentinian scored just six top-flight goals and produced just two assists, though those tallies were only one and two less respectively than he managed in 2023-24.
The forward has primarily operated from the left in his career, and his pace has made him a valuable outlet for United in the past, something that could benefit Chelsea during counter-attacks.
Garnacho has never scored more than seven league goals in any of his three seasons of Premier League football, so while he is undoubtdly talented, Chelsea would still be taking a gamble.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on May 21, 2025
Could Garnacho block the pathway of Jamie Gittens?
Chelsea have looked to sign two players for each position, with strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro both expected to compete for the starting nine spot.
The Blues have already signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund this summer, and if the 21-year-old is to make good on the promise of his talent, he will need consistent game time.
It would not be surprising if the Englishman did not settle into life at Stamford Bridge immediately, whereas Garnacho's familiarity with the division could help him make an instant impact.
If Garnacho starts well at Chelsea, then Gittens might often find himself on the substitute's bench, and there is a risk that his development could stall.
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