Alejandro Garnacho has made his way to Chelsea’s training facility as he prepares to complete a reported £40 million ($54 million) transfer from Manchester United, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
The two Premier League clubs were said to have finalised an agreement on Thursday, with the 21-year-old winger no longer in Ruben Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford. Garnacho was spotted at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground in southwest London, where he is undergoing his medical and settling final contract details.
“I know he is around here,” Maresca told reporters when asked about Garnacho’s presence. “I don’t know exactly where.”
When questioned about how the Argentine would fit into his squad, Maresca was clear: “He’s a winger. I see him as a winger.”
The Italian coach also hinted that more business could still take place before the transfer window closes on Monday. “You can expect anything, the transfer window is open, anything can happen in and out,” he said, leaving the door open for further arrivals or departures.
Maresca additionally provided an update on Chelsea’s injury list ahead of their derby clash with Fulham. Cole Palmer, who suffered a groin injury during the West Ham game, will miss the match. Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia remain unavailable as they continue their recoveries.
“Cole, we need to see day by day,” Maresca explained. “Romeo and Benoit—I don’t think they will be back after the international break, but they will be closer.” Speaking on Lavia’s situation, he added, “Two years ago, he didn’t play any games. Last year, he played some games. The target is to give him more games this season. I don’t know when he will be back.”
With Palmer sidelined, Maresca admitted adjustments would be necessary: “When Cole is not in the game, we need to find different solutions. Hopefully, tomorrow we can do the same.”
Chelsea enter the weekend in fourth place in the Premier League table, coming off a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace and a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham.
What you should know
Alejandro Garnacho’s impending £40 million switch from Manchester United to Chelsea marks one of the biggest late moves of the transfer window.
While Chelsea prepares to welcome the Argentine winger, injuries to key players like Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Benoit Badiashile pose challenges for Enzo Maresca as the team looks to maintain its strong league position.
