Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. If Chelsea cannot sign him, it turns out they have a fascinating backup option on their radar.
With less than a week left in the transfer window, Alejandro Garnacho is still not a Chelsea player, despite weeks of intense speculation.
It’s been reported that Garnacho still expects to join Chelsea before the transfer deadline. Apparently, Chelsea are waiting for more player sales before they officially make a move for Garnacho and bring him to West London.
The 21-year-old winger remains patient while he waits for his future to be resolved, and it is quite clear that it lies away from Old Trafford because he has not been involved in Man Utd’s squad so far this season.
Alejandro Garnacho playing for Manchester United against West Ham in the Premier League.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Chelsea’s alternative to Alejandro Garnacho is Ademola Lookman
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea consider Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman as their backup option if they fail to sign Garnacho.
It is understood that Lookman, 27, has submitted a transfer request as he tries to push for a move away from Atalanta. In fact, he has relocated to London and removed any mention of his current employers from his social media channels.
The report explains that the versatile attacker is training individually, while Atalanta are open to offers but are demanding £45m.
CaughtOffside adds that Arsenal are weighing up an approach for Lookman, who’s also on the radar of Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Napoli. If Chelsea turned their attention to the Nigeria international, they would face plenty of competition.
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Back in April, Chelsea were linked with a move for Lookman, but the Atalanta star is still stuck at the Italian club, searching for a move in the final days of the window.
Ademola Lookman playing for Atalanta against AC Milan in Serie A.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho vs Ademola Lookman
While Garnacho is an exciting talent with plenty of potential and ability, Lookman is older and more proven at the highest level.
Club Appearances Goals Assists
Manchester United 144 26 22
Alejandro Garnacho’s senior club career
Club Appearances Goals Assists
Atalanta 118 52 25
Charlton Athletic 49 12 3
Everton 48 4 2
Leicester City 42 8 5
Fulham 35 4 4
RB Leipzig 24 5 4
Ademola Lookman’s senior club career
Lookman’s career has really taken off in Italy recently with Atalanta. In fact, he scored 20 goals across all competitions last season, proving he can play anywhere across the forward line with his rapid pace and directness.
However, it should be a red flag how his relationship with the Serie A club has broken down this summer.
We’d probably be more confident in seeing Lookman hit the ground running in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea team if he returned to the Premier League with them, but the focus remains Garnacho for now.