A player move between Manchester United and Chelsea is not always a success, so recent events surrounding the move are certainly dividing opinions.
Alejandro Garnacho could be coming to Stamford Bridge from Old Trafford after Jadon Sancho, as The Pitch Prospect learns the Blues have expressed their interest in the 20-year-old.
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We previously reported that the Argentine has major doubts about his future under Ruben Amorim as he does not fit into the new coach’s 3-4-2-1 system.
The wideman was not used for the Manchester derby in December and has yet to score in his 14 appearances for the Portuguese side, eight of which came off the bench.
Napoli have also moved for Garnacho but links to Chelsea are causing a stir with The Pitch Prospect presenter and former Blues defender Jason Cundy not sure what to make of it.
“I think we are facing this situation [where they have to sell due to financial rules] Garnacho could leave,” he said on Inside Chelsea.
“I am amazed that the situation with Garnacho has developed. He had a difficult time. I understand that because of the way Amorim plays there is no position for him and they are happy to move him on, I think that may well be a loan to see how it goes.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all that Chelsea are interested. There weren’t many success stories under Erik ten Hag’s reign, but he was one of them.
“I like what I see. I think there’s still a bit of rawness there, there are moments where I think ‘this kid’s got so much on him’, but it’s about where the line is with him and I don’t know exactly what that is .” But we are a football club that likes to welcome outsiders. Sancho is the perfect example.
“You think this player isn’t good enough for you? We will take him on at the right price.”
Despite Cundy’s enthusiasm, his colleague and Inside Chelsea expert Matisse Hofer wasn’t so sure and explained his reasoning in detail.
He said: “I don’t like it, the player is raw, I think his decision-making is still in its infancy, he’s obviously played quite a bit of football so sometimes even if you’re young you’ve played a significant role.” Amount of football that is enough of a catalog to see what ceiling you have in front of you.
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“I don’t think he’s an elite level dribbler – I think our wingers are often the most difficult position in our team because they don’t always get that overlap or the support from the full-back because they cover up and get into midfield go.”
“Sometimes you’re isolated and in a two-on-one situation and I don’t think he has the genius in his game to hit the seats like a bum in a stadium [Edin] Danger.”
Cundy understood the point and agreed, but still didn’t turn the Argentine down for the right price.
“He’s a bit of an Anthony Gordon, he’s no Ryan Giggs, there’s industry and I’ve seen enough not to say no,” he said.
“If he shows up tomorrow and we find out he’s on the left side, I’m not sure our left side is that great.”
But Matisse wasn’t done yet, ending the debate by saying: “I’m not sure Garnacho improves that drastically.
“When I look at Chelsea wanting to be contenders for the Premier League title next season, I don’t think he is a new signing that will take the Chelsea team to that level.”
Price is also likely to be a stumbling block, with United valuing the player at £70m.
Antonio Conte’s Serie A title challengers Napoli are said to have failed with two offers, meaning Chelsea would almost certainly have to pay a hefty transfer fee.
Still, they would be adding a player who has scored 23 goals and 14 assists in 118 games and 69 starts for United, while even earning eight caps for World Cup and Copa America winners Argentina.
And let’s not forget the Puskas Award-winning overhead kick against Everton…