Man United ‘on the verge’ of £40m deal for forward | OneFootball

Chelsea Closing in on Garnacho Deal Worth up to £40m

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are on the verge of finalising a deal for Alejandro Garnacho, with the fee expected to reach between £35-40 million. The 21-year-old Argentine forward appears surplus to requirements at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, and a move to west London could prove decisive for his future.

Garnacho Facing Career Crossroads

Garnacho, who joined United from Atlético Madrid in 2020, was once tipped as one of the brightest attacking prospects in the Premier League. As Sam Wallace of The Telegraph noted, “Born in the southern commuter suburbs of Madrid, Garnacho is facing an early crossroads in what was developing into one of the most promising Premier League careers in the 2023-24 season.”

His lack of opportunities under Amorim has pushed him closer to the exit door, despite being part of a trio – alongside Rasmus Højlund and Kobbie Mainoo – who were once hailed as the club’s future.

Chelsea’s Calculated Gamble

Chelsea see Garnacho as Premier League-proven, youthful talent, and the reported fee reflects his potential. United initially benchmarked his value against the £50m Arsenal paid for Noni Madueke. The Blues have also conducted thorough checks on his character and professionalism, though as Wallace pointed out, “the acceptance is that the proof will be in his performance.”

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This move fits Chelsea’s transfer strategy of investing in young assets who can be developed or traded later. The risk is clear – but so too is the potential upside, particularly with Garnacho pushing for a place in Argentina’s World Cup defence squad next summer.

United’s Wider Transfer Picture

While Garnacho edges closer to Stamford Bridge, uncertainty surrounds the futures of others. Rasmus Højlund is expected to join Napoli, either via a permanent transfer or a structured loan. Antony may leave for Real Betis following a successful loan, while Kobbie Mainoo, despite concerns over his role, is currently deemed “not for sale” in the closing stages of the window.

What once seemed a bright future for United’s young trio now looks scattered, with only Mainoo likely to remain at Old Trafford beyond deadline day.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this deal is both exciting and risky. Garnacho is a player who can change a game with his pace and direct style, something Chelsea have often lacked in recent years. At £35-40m, the fee seems reasonable compared to other inflated Premier League prices, especially considering his age and proven ability at the top level.

Fans will recall how Garnacho burst onto the scene at United, scoring important goals and showing fearlessness in big games. Bringing that energy to Stamford Bridge could give Enzo Maresca another dynamic option in attack. Supporters will also be encouraged by his hunger to impress, knowing he has Argentina’s World Cup squad in his sights.

However, there will be caution too. Chelsea have signed plenty of young forwards over the past two years, and not all have settled. There’s always the risk of Garnacho being another player caught in the revolving door at Stamford Bridge. Many fans will want assurances that he will be given a proper run in the side, rather than becoming a squad option who fades into the background.

Overall, the potential outweighs the risk. Garnacho offers flair, unpredictability, and a proven record of stepping up in big moments. If Chelsea provide him with stability and confidence, supporters will back him to thrive and possibly become a long-term star for the club.