Alejandro Garnacho, the promising Argentine winger at Manchester United, is still understood to be holding out for a move to Chelsea-months after identifying them as his top destination during the January window.
Despite new interest from abroad-including clubs in Spain and Saudi Arabia-sources close to the player insist that his preference hasn’t changed. “His heart is set on Chelsea,” one source told The Times. “That’s been the case for a while now.”
Garnacho, 20, has grown into a key figure in Manchester United’s squad since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2020. Last season, he registered six goals and four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. While his talent is undeniable, the winger now appears to be seeking a more central role elsewhere-particularly in a project that gives him both freedom and responsibility.
Tactical Fit: Where Would Garnacho Play at Chelsea?
With Chelsea now under new head coach Enzo Maresca, there’s increased emphasis on possession-based football and fluid attacking rotations. Sources at Cobham confirm the club is actively seeking reinforcements in wide areas-particularly on the left.
This is where Garnacho naturally fits in.
Though versatile enough to play on either flank, Garnacho has often thrived on the left wing, cutting inside onto his favoured right foot. At Chelsea, that position remains unsettled. Raheem Sterling, now 30, struggled for consistency last season, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains a work-in-progress, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking end product.
Maresca is expected to deploy a 3-2-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 system, with two wide players in advanced roles. In either shape, Garnacho’s pace, directness, and ability to stretch defences would give Chelsea a much-needed vertical threat—particularly against compact blocks that have often frustrated the Blues in recent seasons.
According to one analyst familiar with Maresca’s tactical sessions, the coaching staff see Garnacho as someone who could operate similarly to how Jeremy Doku functions at Manchester City—a high-impact winger who can destabilise deep-lying defences, press from the front, and exploit 1v1s.
“He’s not just a winger,” the analyst said. “He’s a tempo-changer. Someone who draws defenders wide and opens up space for midfielders and fullbacks to exploit.”
There’s even the possibility that Maresca could occasionally deploy Garnacho on the right wing, allowing him to take on fullbacks on his natural side or operate as an inverted winger in narrower setups, rotating with Noni Madueke depending on form and opponent.
United’s Position Remains Unclear
Manchester United have yet to publicly indicate any willingness to sell. Garnacho remains under contract until 2028, and internally, he’s still viewed as one of the club’s brightest young assets. However, with a potential overhaul under Erik ten Hag’s successor, United may entertain serious offers—especially if Garnacho pushes for the move himself.
For now, no official bid has been made. But Chelsea are expected to test United’s resolve before the end of the month. Sources indicate the West London club may try a structured offer that includes performance-based add-ons.
Foreign clubs, including one major La Liga side and at least two Saudi Pro League teams, have already made formal approaches. However, Garnacho has not been swayed. “He’s flattered by the interest,” another source shared, “but Chelsea has been his priority all along.”
The Bigger Picture
For Chelsea, signing Garnacho would be as much about building for the future as it is about the now. At just 20, he would join a squad already filled with young, high-ceiling talents such as Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Romeo Lavia.
“He wants to be part of something long-term,” said a person close to the player. “Chelsea, for all their chaos in recent years, still feels like a project that excites him.”
Whether that belief turns into action will depend on how swiftly Chelsea move—and how firmly United resist.
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