Alejandro Garnacho has turned down a move to a top European side in favour of a dreamed-of move to Chelsea, with the Manchester United exile’s time at Old Trafford set to come to a close.
The Argentinian was placed in Ruben Amorim’s five-man ‘bomb squad’ at the start of the summer in step with fellow wantaway stars Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.
The Portuguese manager is believed to have told the Carrington graduate to start looking for a new club after he voiced his disappointment at being benched for Man United’s abortive Europa League final against Tottenham in May.
But despite a number of clubs eyeing up the winger, Garnacho remains unattached following the start of the new Premier League season last week.
Garnacho is thought to favour a move to Chelsea, and with the Blues having asked the Red Devils to provide a valuation for the star earlier this month.
Man United is thought to have previously considered Garnacho’s exit to come with a £70million price tag, but amid the stand-off between Amorim and his player, the club have lowered their expectations and valued him at £50m.
Alejandro Garnacho has full focus on a potential move to Chelsea – and is turning down offers
The 21-year-old has been frozen out by Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Man City
Tottenham
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But while talks between Chelsea and Man United are believed to have restarted positively, Garnacho is so assured of his desire to relocate to west London, he has turned down a promising offer from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
United are digging in as they continue their negotiations with the Blues, although the clubs have a good relationship between their hierarchies.
Relations between Garnacho and the Man United fans however has soured intensely amid news of his suspected exit.
Daily Mail Sport reported on Sunday that incensed supporters had defaced a picture of the 21-year-old outside Old Trafford, crossing out Garnacho’s face in the promotional image.
Should a move not go ahead for the winger, Garnacho is believed to have informed his club that he is prepared to sit on the bench for the next six months – or the entire season.
In total, Garnacho has played 144 games for Manchester United and scored 26 goals, while providing 22 assists.
He won the FA Cup with United in the 2023-24 campaign and the EFL Cup in the previous season.
Finding a new club for a fresh start will prove increasingly important as the months count down to the 2026 World Cup next summer.
Garnacho was sensationally left out of Argentina’s squad list for upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September.
The player has spent the last month training on his own at Carrington after being frozen out, and will desperately need playing time to change Lionel Scaloni’s mind ahead of the FIFA tournament at the end of the season.
