Alejandro Garnacho might be heading out of Chelsea just one year after arriving. AS Roma has reportedly checked in on the former Manchester United winger, according to Italian transfer insider Alfredo Pedulla.
Roma is looking for help on both wings, and Garnacho fits what they want on the left side. Pedulla reports the Italian club has made an inquiry about a potential loan move. They’re trying to pair him with Donyell Malen and another right-sided attacker.
How We Got Here
Let’s back up. Garnacho left United last summer under messy circumstances. He was benched for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham by then-manager Ruben Amorim. Instead of keeping quiet, the 21-year-old went to the media and trashed his coach. Amorim responded by kicking him out of the squad entirely. Garnacho ended up in the infamous bomb squad before Chelsea bought him for $50 million.
But his first season at Chelsea was rough. The Blues finished tenth in the Premier League. Garnacho managed just one goal and four assists in 24 league appearances. By the end of the season, rumors were already flying that Chelsea had seen enough and would listen to offers.
What Roma Wants
Roma needs attacking depth and they’re shopping around. They’ve also been linked with Mason Greenwood, but Garnacho is a separate target. Pedulla said the club wants two specialists on the wings, one for each side. Garnacho, who’s played mostly on the left, obviously fits that profile.
It’s not clear yet if Chelsea would agree to a loan. They paid real money for him a year ago. But a loan might be better than taking a big loss on a permanent sale right now. And United is watching this closely, because they have a sell-on clause in the Garnacho deal. Any permanent move would send a cut back to Old Trafford.
Garnacho made 144 first-team appearances for United before the transfer. He scored 26 goals for them. But that Chelsea season? One goal, four assists, tenth place. Not great.
Roma hasn’t confirmed anything publicly. Neither has Chelsea. But the rumor mill is turning, and Garnacho’s name is back in it.
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