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Finally, the Alejandro Garnacho-to-Chelsea move is taking shape, with promising reports dropping on Tuesday.
Garnacho is expected to leave Manchester United before the transfer deadline.
After the Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, Garnacho launched into a rant criticising head coach Ruben Amorim for snubbing him from the starting XI, while also slamming the team’s results under the Portuguese coach.
That outburst prompted Amorim to drop him from his United project, with reports claiming he told the 21-year-old he “better pray he finds a club that can sign him.”
Fortunately for the Argentine, a host of top European clubs have pursued him.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli have all been linked with his services.
He could have easily joined any of them, but his desire to move solely to Stamford Bridge is thought to have repelled interest from those sides.
While some suitors, such as Bayern, have tried to sway him and change his Chelsea preference, the winger appears to have his heart, soul and mind set on joining Enzo Maresca’s project.
The winger might have received assurances from the world champions. They may have promised to do their best to offer him the Old Trafford exit he craves.
Promises are meant to be kept, and on Tuesday, reports emerged that Chelsea and United were finally in advanced talks over Garnacho’s signing.
What Chelsea must do to close the transfer
That update put most United fans on alert. Fortunately for them, a report by The Daily Mail has unpacked the transfer in the nicest way possible.
The UK outlet insists:
“Manchester United value Alejandro Garnacho at about £50million amid interest from Chelsea.
“United will not settle for a figure below their valuation, but it would appear a move away from the club would be best for all parties.”
United have a strong argument for why that is a fair asking price for the exciting South American talent.
“Should a bid from Chelsea be forthcoming – but not hit United’s figure – it may be pointed out to the Blues that they received £48.5m this summer for England winger Noni Madueke and that United feel Garnacho is at least his equal,” adds the Daily Mail.
“United also feel Garnacho’s stats stand up well to those of Jamie Gittens, who Chelsea signed for an initial £48.5m from Borussia Dortmund, and are substantially better than those of Omari Hutchinson, who joined Forest from Ipswich for £37.5m last weekend.”
If Madueke and Gittens are not perfect reference points, the report adds that United have others:
“Comparisons may also be drawn with players of a similar age who have moved recently. That includes former United academy man Anthony Elanga, for whom Nottingham Forest paid around £52m to Newcastle.”
Despite already spending £200 million in transfer fees this summer, United remain keen to bolster their squad further, hence why they will hold firm on Garnacho’s valuation. Fortunately for them, their argument could make sense.
Garnacho vs Elanga
Compare Garnacho to £52 million-rated Elanga, and you would be weeping at the thought that Chelsea believed a £30 million bid might get this over the line.
“Elanga has been directly involved in 40 goals during his career (goals and assists) compared to Garnacho’s 48. Elanga’s xG (expected goals) is 0.16 compared to the United man’s 0.3, and his assists per 90 minutes are 0.2 compared to Garnacho’s 0.19,” highlights the Daily Mail, making it evident that even what INEOS are demanding is a bargain, especially when factoring in Garnacho’s 21 more European appearances.
Garnacho is worth every million United demand
Although United and some of their fans want him gone, with some even defacing his picture at Old Trafford, it still makes sense not to let him leave at a throwaway price.
Despite his attitude, Garnacho remains a serious talent. His 21 goal contributions last season proved it.
Just as Arsenal banked on Madueke being destined for greatness, one can comfortably argue the United graduate is destined for greatness if he finds a coach who can polish the rough diamond he is.
Given his modest wages, United can afford to hold onto him until the winter transfer window and hope a serious suitor emerges.
For now, his stubbornness scared off some clubs, but hopefully, Chelsea are willing to compromise to land him, given how desperately he wants them.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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