The Blues are preparing to formalise their interest in the winger, despite having concerns over his obvious attitude problem
When it recently emerged that Manchester United are prepared to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho in the near future, there was something of an inevitability about Chelsea’s name being in the frame. Lo and behold, two weeks later, the Blues are set to formalise their interest in the winger with an opening offer – and as it stands they are the only club in the running.
Both United’s openness to selling one of the gems of their academy and Chelsea’s willingness to spend big on yet another winger have raised eyebrows, as the Red Devils target a pure-profit sale for more than £50 million ($62m) to ease their financial troubles.
In the current state of affairs, there is the unshakeable feeling that this is a deal that undoubtedly favours INEOS, Ruben Amorim and Co., with the west Londoners rolling the dice by potentially taking the fiery Argentine off their hands.
Man Utd’s PSR problem
Man Utd’s financial situation means their hands could be tied when it comes to selling off their academy gems; it was reported earlier in January that the Red Devils would consider offers for Garnacho and fellow Carrington graduate Kobbie Mainoo as they risk breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
United part-owners INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have already made a number of brutal cuts, have even written to fans insisting the club must “act now” to avoid a violation.
“If we do not act now, we are in danger of falling to comply with PSR/FFP requirements,” a letter read. “We are currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300m in the past three years. This is not sustainable.
“We will have to make some difficult choices. That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.”
A matter of months ago, the idea of selling Garnacho would have been unthinkable, but the timing of the 2025 January transfer window probably plays into United’s hands as they look to avoid a significant backlash.
The 20-year-old is out of form and out of favour under Ruben Amorim, with the fanbase largely backing the manager’s decision to overlook him in recent weeks and growing increasingly frustrated at his inconsistent performances and a perceived poor attitude – with some even prepared to see him leave.