Alejandro Garnacho faces awkward conversation with Chelsea player if he completes move from Man Utd
Alejandro Garnacho could be faced with an awkward conversation with a new teammate if he leaves Manchester United for Chelsea.
The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window, when both the Blues and Napoli made enquiries.
No such deal materialised but according to the BBC, Garnacho was convinced that a deal would be done and there was a level of expectation that he would still become a Chelsea player.
The former Atletico Madrid youth player found himself completely frozen out by Ruben Amorim at United after taking issue with his lack of minutes in the Europa League final loss to Spurs, where Garnacho was a late substitute.
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His mixed zone comments, coupled with remarks from his brother, resulted in Amorim dropping him for the final game of the season against Aston Villa and telling him he better "pray" that he can find a new club.
After being placed in the 'bomb squad' alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, Garnacho now looks set to get his move as talks between the two clubs continue.
The Guardian say United value Garnacho at around £50 million, though Chelsea are hopeful they can get their man for a much lower fee.
Garnacho's Chelsea shirt number dilemma
If negotiations prove productive, Garnacho will have a dilemma in regards to what shirt number he would take at Stamford Bridge.
That's because his preferred No.17, which he has sported at United, is currently occupied by Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
Santos joined from Vasco da Gama for a fee of £13 million in 2023 and after loans with Nottingham Forest and partner club Strasbourg, made his debut in June as Chelsea won the revamped Club World Cup in the United States.
Despite Chelsea being well stocked in midfield, the 21-year-old is expected to be an important member of Enzo Maresca's squad for their return to Champions League football.
Santos has gone on record to say he wants to "play regularly and be an undisputed starter" - talking like a player who wouldn't be too happy vacating his shirt number.
No.7, No.10, No.11 and No.14 all currently taken at Chelsea, but the No.49 - his first shirt number at United - is available.
Discussing Garnacho's situation during the US tour, Amorim said: "You can see he is talented, he's a really talented boy. But sometimes things don't work out.
"You cannot explain specifically what it is but I have the feeling it's clear Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership.
Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea, Premier League, Man Utd
Josh Lawless