Blow for Chelsea as Alejandro Garnacho agrees to join Napoli

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • Updated: 21 Jan 2025 08:11 GMT
  • 4 min read
Alejandro Garnacho, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Alejandro Garnacho has agreed personal terms with Napoli, who will try and negotiate a deal with Manchester United on Tuesday.

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Nicolo Schira reports on Tuesday that Garnacho has reached an agreement with Napoli over personal terms. He has said yes to a contract until 2029 with the option for a further year until 2030.

There is still some way to go, though, to complete the deal as Napoli must agree a transfer fee with Man Utd.

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Gianluca Di Marzio reports that representatives from United will meet with Napoli directors in Italy on Tuesday to try and come to an agreement.

Until now, Napoli are believed to be some way off what United are demanding.

Napoli have already had a €45m bid rejected, and there have been reports they have since increased this offer to €55m which is also not enough.

Chelsea are also very much in the race for Garnacho.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made at least two enquiries into the availability of Garnacho since the end of December and the Blues are said to be very keen on the 20-year-old.

Chelsea's interest in Garnacho was highlighted further on Monday evening during the 3-1 win over Wolves.

The owners of Garnacho's Lead3rs agency, Carlos Cambeiro and Quique de Lucas Martinez, were at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea's clash with Wolves.

The two made no attempt to keep their presence a secret either as they shared pictures of the game on social media.

The next 24 hours, then, could be very telling in the race for Garnacho.

United are understood to be willing to sell the Argentine at the right price.

Garnacho would be a replacement at Napoli for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG this week for €75m.

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Garnacho has been unsettled at Old Trafford for some time, and has fallen out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim sensationally dropped him for the Manchester Derby and, although he has returned to the fold since then, he is not an important player for the Portuguese coach.

Tottenham are also said to be watching on developments closely.

Garnacho at Man Utd

The 20-year-old Garnacho was one of the few bright lights of Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United.

Garnacho (left) exploded in the previous two seasons
© IMAGO - Garnacho (left) exploded in the previous two seasons

He was one of the breakout stars in the Premier League in 2022-23, making eight goal contributions from 10 starts and 29 appearances.

He had a string of memorable performances, including the winner against Real Sociedad in the Europa League which made him the youngest foreign player to ever score for Man Utd in European competition.

Garnacho broke a string of records, and also starred in the Manchester derby, assisting Marcus Rashford’s winner in the 2-1 victory over Man City.

Last season Garnacho continued to impress, with 10 goals in all competitions. He scored in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Man City, hit a memorable brace in the 4-3 victory over Chelsea and scored the goal of the season with a stunning bicycle kick against Everton.

This season Garnacho has seen his star shine less bright, with just three goals and one assist in 21 Premier League games.

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