Alejandro Garnacho is unlikely to be at Old Trafford once the summer transfer deadline has passed.
Not in head coach Ruben Amorim’s plans after the two fell out following the Europa League final, Garnacho is expected to start afresh elsewhere.
As tempting as the proposition to sign Garnacho might be, offers are yet to trickle in for his services.
It is a situation that has left many United fans baffled.
Garnacho’s availability presents a genuine opportunity: he is still only 21, boasts Premier League experience, and is fresh off a campaign yielding 21 goal contributions – decent numbers compared to his peers.
While still raw, the United winger looks every inch a player destined for stardom.
With no approaches or formal offers, United have moved to slash their asking price to £40 million.
But still, no one has come forward.
Garnacho win-win swap deals
There have been claims that the winger was offered to Chelsea and Aston Villa in swap deals involving Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins, respectively.
Such a swap deal was initially framed as a win-win scenario; United would land a striker and offload Garnacho.
Not spending millions on a striker should, in turn, have allowed INEOS to channel those funds into signing a midfielder and goalkeeper.
Yet, while it seemed like the perfect transfer strategy, it has emerged that United are not keen to take that route.
In a revealing update that United will only entertain cash offers, with Watkins and Sesko swap deals now ruled out, the Manchester Evening News reports:
“Recent reports [claimed] a swap deal could be agreed that would see Garnacho head to Stamford Bridge,” the outlet says.
“Chelsea are interested in signing the wantaway winger but United have no interest in a swap deal with Jackson.
“United are prioritising a move for RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Šeško amid their pursuit of a striker.”
Cash-only offers amid hopes of league rival bids
United’s position, prioritising Sesko over swap deals, is a dangerous game.
Fortunately for them, they may be boosted by developments out of Stamford Bridge.
According to reports relayed by The People Person, Chelsea have completed their due diligence on Garnacho and are convinced about signing him.
They plan to bid for him, albeit on their terms, with an offer expected before transfer deadline day.
Whether their delay puts pressure on United to lower their demands remains to be seen.
In any case, Aston Villa, also admirers of United’s number 17, may see Chelsea’s slow roll as the perfect chance to hijack Garnacho’s potential exit from Old Trafford.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
