Chelsea have intensified their pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho following United’s agreement to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, per various reports.
The West London club, under the helm of Enzo Maresca, have been characteristically active during the summer’s transfer dealings. In an astonishing spending spree, Chelsea splashed out £246 million on eight new recruits, ranking them just behind the Premier League title-holders Liverpool in terms of expenditure.
Chelsea’s attacking line-up is set for a transformation with fresh signings Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and Joao Pedro from Brighton, while Liam Delap and Estevao have also arrived at Stamford Bridge. Despite offloading Noni Madueke and Joao Felix, the Blues still boast an arsenal of forward options including Pedro Neto, Tyrique George, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Mykhaylo Mudryk. It might seem unnecessary to add more firepower, yet Chelsea appear undeterred.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, discussions between Chelsea and Manchester United are underway with increased urgency after United secured an ‘agreement’ for Sesko’s transfer. The Red Devils are in a bind to capitalise on player sales, listing Garnacho among those on the market, including Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony.
United, who are in negotiations for a £60 million fee for Garnacho after initially communicating a £70 million valuation, may find Chelsea the likeliest suitor. Led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United are open to offers for most of their squad, having even fielded a £100 million offer for captain Bruno Fernandes from a Saudi club earlier this summer.
Ornstein reports that dialogues between Chelsea and Manchester United, which have been ongoing for ‘some time,’ have now reached an ‘advanced’ stage with Garnacho ‘expecting to move to Stamford Bridge.’ The Argentine winger, aged 21, has rejected all alternatives except a stay at Old Trafford or a switch to Chelsea.
Garnacho, who arrived at United from Atletico Madrid’s academy in 2020, featured prominently last season, clocking up 58 appearances and achieving 11 goals and 10 assists. He played a pivotal role in helping United reach the Europa League final, a campaign that concluded in a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
This deal, if realised, would bring United a substantial ‘pure profit’ sale from the Argentine’s initial signing.
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