Ranking the favourites to sign Alejandro Garnacho as Man Utd exit nears

Manchester United's addition of Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford appears to spell the end for numerous players currently on the Red Devils' payroll. Both Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford seem set to leave Old Trafford, as does Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The former Atletico Madrid youngster was one of the sole bright sparks for United when he first broke into the first team as a teenager a couple of years ago. Six goals and a further six assists in his debut 2022/23 season had the Old Trafford faithful thinking that they had a superstar on their hands, while another impressive return the following year seemingly guaranteed a route to the very top of world football. However, inconsistency, poor decision-making, and a lack of work rate last season have prompted manager Ruben Amorim to seemingly cut his losses.

The 2024/25 season will go down as one of the very worst in Manchester United's illustrious history. The North West outfit suffered their lowest Premier League finish in 40 years as they slumped to 16th in the table, and online sportsbooks can't see things getting any better in the immediate future. The popular Thunderpick sportsbook currently lists Ruben Amorim's side as a distant 9/2 outsider to secure a top-four finish next season, but it's looking increasingly unlikely that Garnacho will be in his squad.

So, with the Argentinian primed and ready to depart Old Trafford, which teams are reportedly interested in securing his services? Let's find out.

Chelsea

Reigning UEFA Conference League champions Chelsea are no strangers to splashing the cash in recent times. Since Todd Bohley took over the club from Roman Abramovich three years ago, the Blues have forked out well over £1 bn on new players, many of them being young prodigies. Garnacho would certainly fit that bill.

At the age of 20, there can be no denying that the pacey winger still has plenty of room for development, something that the West London club looks for in their new signings. Exciting youngsters such as Brazilians Estêvão and Andrey Santos will be heading to Stamford Bridge this summer, and there is a very real possibility that Garnacho could join them.

While Manchester United and Chelsea are Premier League rivals, the two clubs have negotiated transfers numerous times in recent years. The Blues sold Juan Mata to the Red Devils around a decade ago to much fanfare, while they also sold Mason Mount to them. Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, headed from Manchester to London on loan last season, and Garnacho could be set to follow in his footsteps, albeit on a permanent deal rather than a temporary one.

Napoli

Antonio Conte is building something special in Naples. Last season, the maverick Italian boss signed former Premier League stars Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku, and they duly rewarded him by winning the Scudetto at the first time of asking. Now, further marquee signings seem to be on the horizon.

Napoli have just completed the blockbuster acquisition of Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne following the Belgian's contract expiring at the Etihad. Now, Garnacho could well head from Manchester to Naples as well.

Much of the Partenopei's Serie A triumph was built on the back of a staunch defence. However, in attack, goals were sometimes hard to come by. While Matteo Politano and David Neres did their utmost on the flanks, just seven goals in a combined 69 games between them simply wasn't good enough. Garnacho would certainly be an upgrade on those two, and that could prompt Conte to move heaven and earth in an effort to get his man.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone signs very specific types of players for Atletico Madrid, and Garnacho doesn't automatically fit that bill. El Cholo prefers the workhorses, with players such as Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez his headline arrivals last year. He also requires tactical discipline, something that Manchester United fans will tell you that their Argentinian winger did not provide them with last season.

However, Simeone himself is an Argentine, and he will feel that he is the man for the job to get the very best out of Garnacho. At 20 years of age, the Argentina international isn't yet set in his ways, and he can still be moulded into the player that Atletico Madrid need him to be. Like Napoli, they too struggled on the flanks somewhat last term, with Giuliano Simeone - the manager's son - the only out-and-out winger in the starting lineup every week.

As such, a new winger is very much at the top of the shopping list for Los Rojiblancos this summer, and there is perhaps no better winger available at present than Garnacho. With the possibility of the 20-year-old being available for a cut price, Simeone will surely be doing his utmost to take his countryman to the Spanish capital. Whether he has the financial muscle to beat both Chelsea and Napoli to his signature, however, is up for debate.