Manchester United have pinned a hefty price tag to Alejandro Garnacho as Chelsea and a host of other top clubs keep tabs on the Argentina international. Garnacho has been put up for sale by the Red Devils, who would look to splash the funds raised on a drastic squad overhaul for Ruben Amorim.
The 20-year-old was one of United’s most productive players last season, but there were hints of a strained relationship with Amorim, which came to a head after the Europa League final. Garnacho complained publicly about only being given a brief cameo off the bench, and reports indicate that he was subsequently told, in front of the whole squad, that he was free to find a new club.
Even though his exit now seems a certainty, United are not prepared to let him go on the cheap. According to The Independent, Old Trafford bosses want to raise £70million by parting with the youngster, who scored 11 goals in all competitions last season.
A fee that size may be enough to raise the eyebrows of senior figures at Chelsea, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli, who have all been credited with interest in Garnacho.
Chelsea were linked with Garnacho in January, and although their interest in him remains, there may be no need to pursue a move if they manage to land Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens.
The Englishman, who is the same age as Garnacho and also plays on the left wing, was reportedly the subject of a £42m Chelsea bid on Tuesday, which was immediately turned down. But the Blues could go a lot higher and still spend less than they would on Garnacho if United are determined to stick with their £70m price tag.
Chelsea held talks over retaining Jadon Sancho as a winger option following his season-long loan spell at Stamford Bridge. But they could not reach an agreement on personal terms, and the club paid a £5m penalty fee to send him back to Old Trafford.
Adding to Enzo Maresca’s need for options out wide is the uncertainty surrounding Mykhaylo Mudryk, who remains provisionally suspended. Chelsea snuck into the Champions League qualification spots last term, which will give them greater pulling power this summer.
Blues bosses have already completed a number of deals. Pre-agreed moves for Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr have formally gone through, while Liam Delap has been signed from Ipswich Town.