Chelsea are expected to take the next steps towards the potential January signing of Alejandro Garnacho, now approaching Manchester United to negotiate a treataccording to reports.
Garnacho, who was a key player under Erik ten Hag, has fallen out of favor under new coach Ruben Amorim in recent weeks. The Argentine winger has started just four of the last 11 Premier League games, and just once since dropped from the matchday squad for last month’s derby.
Amad Diallo has been the biggest beneficiary of Garnacho’s sudden fall from grace, often partnered by Bruno Fernandes in advanced midfield positions behind a centre-forward.
Napoli have been heavily linked with a move, having sold Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain, but so far they have made it. it has not reached the high selling price.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea have made contact with Garnacho’s representatives, gauging the player’s interest in a move to Stamford Bridge, and are moving forward to speak with United officials. Reading between the lines, it seems that the Garnatxo field has given the blues enough encouragement to go through the process to the next stage.
Napoli are said to “continue to be keen” on Garnacho, but are hedging their bets by also preparing a package for Borussia Dortmund talent Karim Adeyemi.
Despite being competitive rivals since the late 1990s, united i Chelsea have a business history when it suits both parties.
Juan Mata made a £37.1m switch to Old Trafford in January 2014 at a time when he was Chelsea’s reigning player of the year, while Juan Sebastian Veron, Mason Mount, Jadon SanchoNemanja Matic and Mark Hughes have also moved between clubs in the Premier League era.
