Erik ten Hag has already sent Chelsea warning over Alejandro Garnacho ahead of Bayer Leverkusen friendly

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has already sent Chelsea a warning about Alejandro Garnacho.

With the summer transfer window in full swing, young Argentine forward Garnacho continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

This week, the 21-year-old has been linked with joining Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Athletic's David Ornstein wrote: "Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen."

Previously, Garnacho had been linked with the likes of Napoli, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.

With Chelsea reportedly stepping up their interest in Garnacho, ex-United boss Ten Hag's quotes from 2023 have resurfaced.

Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with Chelsea. Image: Getty

At the time, Garnacho had just penned a new deal at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag warning that expectations will grow as a result.

The Dutchman also warned that Garnacho has to take the steps to go to another level.

Ten Hag said: "He also shows he can make the final step – not only in talent but also, he made it. But now it’s a new start, a restart, because now the expectations will be higher, the demands definitely will be higher.

"He is on his way, he is a strong character and that’s why he’s there in the moment on this level, and he did it by himself. But now is coming more work to go because the demands are higher, we expect more from him. But it’s great he made it because it tells we will give young players opportunities, but they have to deserve it."

Alejandro Garnacho is no longer a part of Ruben Amorim's plans. Image: Getty

He continued: "When I say ‘give’, translate it to ‘deserve’ and they have to deserve with their feet, they have to show it on the pitch and that means you have to invest a lot and deserve it by training performances, by performance in the under-21s, then wait for your moment and prove it again.

"For Alejandro, he is that step beyond but now the demands will be even more because he has now to compete for a starting XI position. So, every time is the same: you have to cross limits and every time you have to go in the next level. We go with him in that challenge but most important is the player has to do it."

During the 24/25 season, Garnacho managed 11 goals and 10 assists in 58 matches across all competitions for United.

Ten Hag's Bayer Leverkusen are set to face Chelsea on Friday night at Stamford Bridge.