In a season of great turmoil for Manchester United, Argentinian youngster Alejandro Garnacho has been one of the players singled out for criticism due to his poor finishing.
Although still only 20 years of age, Garnacho has started 11 of the Red Devils' 21 Premier League matches this season, but has featured in all of them to some degree.
However, a return of three goals and one assist has failed to impress manager Ruben Amorim, as well as garnering a great deal of disapproval from supporters.
The statistics back up Garnacho's poor performances, as he has accrued a total of 4.84 xG, demonstrating that he ought to have scored more goals. Considering Bryan Mbeumo has scored 13 times from just 2 xG more than the Argentinian, this really shows the extent to which Garnacho has been squandering his chances.
Now, with Amorim looking to overhaul the squad after publicly stating the lack of quality in the team, it now seems that Garnacho will be one of the players moved on. Chelsea currently appear to be the frontrunners for his signature, despite being a big top-six rival for United.
Current favourites
Chelsea – 10/11
Priced at 10/11 by bookies, Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are currently the clear favourites to secure Garnacho's services. However, it is evident that he will cost a pretty penny if he is to be tempted away from Old Trafford. It is alleged that United are demanding £60 million for the young Argentinian, who has always retained that it is his dream to remain with the club at which his idol Cristiano Ronaldo gained worldwide recognition.
However, having slipped to sixth place after their defeat to top-four rivals Manchester City, Maresca is keen to bring in reinforcements to make sure his team's situation does not deteriorate further. Summer signing Pedro Neto has also struggled for goal contributions, with only three to his name in 20 appearances thus far.
The Blues have had a really tough time of late, winning only one game since the 15th December, a period which has seen them pick up only six points from the previous seven games. Having been title contenders merely a month ago, it has been a disappointing downfall for Chelsea who now evidently need to add further competition to their squad.
At 10/11, it seems almost certain that Garnacho will be added to the Blues' ranks in the near future, and he will be hoping to help them back towards the coveted top four places in which they will be hoping to finish.
Napoli – 6/1
Compared to Chelsea's chances of signing Garnacho, Serie A leaders Napoli appear to be clear outsiders. Yet, having recently sold Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG for €70 million, elite manager Antonio Conte will be looking to bring in a replacement. Garnacho could certainly fit the bill here.
Napoli managed to inflict Juventus' first loss in Serie A this season over the most recent gameweek, with goals from Frank-Zambo Anguissa and Romelu Lukaku enough to secure a 2-1 win. The result meant that the Italian giants extended their lead at the top to six points. A potential trophy chance such as this could be used by the club to tempt Garnacho to make the switch to Italy.
Kvaratskhelia had started 15 games in the Italian top flight this season, so there is an excellent chance for the Argentinian to secure playing time at one of the country's most renowned teams right from the off.
At 6/1, Napoli could be a great choice for bettors if Chelsea decide not to take a punt on Garnacho.
Borussia Dortmund – 8/1
Although priced at 8/1, Borussia Dortmund should not be truly considered as a destination for Garnacho at this current stage.
Manager Nuri Sahin was sacked last week after a run of awful results, particularly away from home, had seen the club fall to 11th in the Bundesliga, far below their pre-season expectations.
With a managerial change imminent, a move for Garnacho does not seem realistic at present. A departure for star player Karim Adeyemi could change the landscape, but for the moment we would advise against banking on Dortmund to sign the Argentinian.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
