Chelsea are close to completing a deal for long-term target Alejandro Garnacho.
According to the Telegraph, negotiations between Chelsea and Manchester United are progressing, and they are confident of agreeing a deal worth around £35-40 million.
The 21-year-old is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford following his infamous public spat with United manager Ruben Amorim.
Since coming through the club’s academy, Garnacho has played 93 times in the Premier League, returning 16 goals and 10 assists.
Given his experience at such a young age, United believe he is worth at least £50m. However, Chelsea are unwilling to match their asking price.
They want to negotiate a much lower fee and have been encouraged by Garnacho, who has made it clear he only wants to join Chelsea if he leaves United this summer.
Chelsea can guarantee Garnacho regular first-team opportunities, although he would have to compete with Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens for a place in the starting line-up.
Questions have been raised about Garnacho’s character and professionalism following his public fallout with Amorim.
However, the Blues have carried out a thorough background check and are confident that they have nothing to worry about.
There’s plenty of upside to a potential deal for Garnacho.
With Chelsea set to sign him on a cut-price deal, his age and resale value mean they would have no problems cashing in down the line if he fails to live up to expectations.
But any deal for Garnacho significantly depends on Chelsea offloading players.
The Blues are already working on getting rid of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, although they’re running out of time to wrap up their summer business ahead of next week’s deadline.
