Alejandro Garnacho Linked With Chelsea Exit This Month After Just 24 Appearances

Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move away from Chelsea to another European giant just six months after moving from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old joined the Stamford Bridge outfit at the end of last summer's transfer window for £40 million from United.

Garnacho came through the youth team ranks at Old Trafford and won both the FA Cup and League Cup after establishing himself in the first-team squad.

But Garnacho fell out of favour with then United boss Ruben Amorim last season and was part of a so-called 'bomb squad' which trained away from the rest of the squad and were permitted to find pastures new.

That group also included Jadon Sancho, who has joined Aston Villa on loan, while Marcus Rashford has headed to Barcelona for the season and Antony secured a permanent exit to Real Betis after a £21.65 million transfer fee was agreed.

Garnacho scored 26 goals in 144 games in all competitions for United, and has found the back of the net on six occasions for Chelsea in 24 appearances.

United signed Garnacho in October 2020 for the club's Academy for £420,000 from Atletico Madrid.

The 21-year-old also has eight caps for Argentina, whom he represents due to having an Argentine mother, even though he was born and raised in the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Alejandro Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United. (Image: Getty)

Now, reports have emerged that Garnacho could be heading back to the city of his birth and Atleti.

According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Atletico Madrid have registered an interest in signing Garnacho, potentially on loan for the rest of this season.

The attacker has not been a guaranteed starter for Chelsea, who recently made a change in the dugout and replaced Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior.

The report from Fichajes claims that Garnacho is seeking a regular starting position and is considering a loan move for the rest of the season in a bid to guarantee more regular playing time and improve his prospects of making the Argentina squad for this summer's World Cup.

The report explains why Diego Simeone's Atleti are considering a move for Garnacho and has personally approved the move.

It says: "The club has been monitoring Garnacho's progress for some time and believes his profile fits their search for young attacking talent, capable of making a difference in one-on-one situations.

"The possibility of a loan is particularly attractive, as it would allow them to bring the player in without a large upfront outlay. The manager values ​​the player's intensity, dribbling ability, and competitive spirit, qualities that align perfectly with Atlético's DNA."