5 days ago
60
Chelsea is inching closer to securing the services of Alejandro Garnacho.
It's understood that the Blues have agreed personal terms with the Manchester United winger, although a transfer fee is yet to be settled upon. Garnacho has fallen out of favor at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim bolstering his attacking options with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo after a fallout with his No. 17.
The Argentine was left behind while the Red Devils jetted off to the United States for pre-season, fuelling speculation that he will depart before the transfer window slams shut. It comes as Paul Scholes was forced to give Liverpool praise.
Garnacho is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, having earmarked Chelsea as his preferred destination this summer, and the 21-year-old has agreed to personal terms. However, without an agreement on the transfer fee, these developments may prove fruitless.
United's hefty £50M ($67M) price tag seems to be a sticking point for the Blues currently. There were whispers that the Red Devils might consider a part-exchange deal involving Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson, but their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko appears to have quashed those discussions.
The asking price is less than it was in January when both Chelsea and Napoli expressed interest in Garnacho. However, since then, the winger's value has dipped as it became evident that Amorim doesn't view him as a regular starter.
"I think with Garnacho, you can understand and you can see that he's talented, he's a really talented boy," Amorim said earlier in the summer. "But sometimes things don't work out and you cannot explain specifically what it is.
"But I have the feeling – and I think it's clear - that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership and I can understand that. So I don't think it's a problem. Sometimes you adapt to one guy and you have the connection. Other times you want a new challenge."
United has already shipped out another member of their so-called 'bomb squad', with Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona on a season-long loan.
The England international could secure a permanent switch to Camp Nou if he delivers during the campaign, with Barca holding an option.
The club remains eager to move on Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia after the trio concluded last season away on loan.
Real Betis continues to show interest in retaining Antony in Seville following his impressive displays there last term, while Sancho has drawn attention from Serie A despite Chelsea deciding against a permanent move after a year on loan at Stamford Bridge.
United will contest their final pre-season friendly at home to Fiorentina on Saturday before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Arsenal. Chelsea won't have Garnacho available for their friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan this weekend, but he could arrive in time for their league opener against Crystal Palace.
English (US) ·