Man Utd exit imminent? Alejandro Garnacho's attacking stats compared to Chelsea wingers

Alejandro Garnacho is destined to leave Manchester United before the end of the transfer window with Chelsea his preferred destination. The Argentinian winger was left out of Man United’s pre-season tour squad in the United States with the aim of securing his departure from Old Trafford. The academy graduate enjoyed some memorable moments after bursting onto the scene but his relationship with Ruben Amorim is beyond repair. Garnacho made 25 starts under the Portuguese boss but the 21-year-old was omitted from the squad for the final game of the Premier League season after a fallout from being left out of the starting eleven for the Europa League final.

Speaking ahead of United's final US tour game, Amorim confirmed that Garnacho is heading for the exit, stating: “He's a really talented boy. Sometimes things don't work out. You cannot explain specifically what it is. But I have the feeling, I think it's clear that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership. And I can understand that. So I think it's not a problem.” Chelsea registered an interest in Garnacho in January and they are expected to pursue his signature in the coming weeks and we’ve analysed the potential move.

How Alejandro Garnacho compares to Chelsea’s current wing options

Despite some stumbling blocks, Enzo Maresca unquestionably enjoyed a hugely successful debut season at Stamford Bridge. The Blues secured Champions League qualification with a fourth placed finish on the final day before comfortably emerging as UEFA Conference League winners against Real Betis. Chelsea added a second trophy by impressively dismantling PSG in the Club World Cup final to earn a near €100m payday and optimism is high ahead of the new season. Chelsea have been characteristically busy in the market with Marsesca wanting to improve his attacking options this summer. Liam Delap, João Pedro and Jamie Gittens have signed, while Estêvão has officially moved to London but more additions are expected. Xavi Simons remains a priority target and Garnacho represents a fascinating option but how does his attacking output compare to Chelsea's current wing options?

Maresca has typically deployed his preferred 4-3-3 formation with Cole Palmer guaranteed to start at right-wing, although he could be used as a number ten. Garnacho, if he arrives, would be in a battle to start at left-wing with Gittens and Neto - Maresca’s preferred option at the Club World Cup. From analysing Transfermarkt data from the last two seasons at club level, Garnacho ranks third for goal contributions with 38 across 108 appearances with only Palmer (48) and Estevao (48) providing more goals and assists. But when you analyse those numbers per 90 minutes played, Garnacho’s record of 0.74 g/a per90 actually ranks below all of Chelsea’s current wing options. While the Argentinian winger clearly possesses substantial ability and potential, it’s clear why some Chelsea fans have questioned the move and why many Man Utd fans have grown frustrated at his erratic output.

How much do Man Utd want for Alejandro Garnacho?

It’s no secret that United want to sell Garnacho this summer and that hardly strengthens their bargaining position when it comes to maximising his value. The Argentinian’s market value on Transfermarkt is currently €45m and it’s understood that Manchester United’s asking price is around that valuation. The expectation is that Garnacho will become United's fourth biggest sale in history and Old Trafford chiefs are determined to improve their selling record. Garnacho has interest from several clubs around Europe but he only wants to join Chelsea this summer as he’s determined to stay in England, according to Fabrizio Romano.

United will cite the €56m fee that Chelsea paid for Gittens and the €46m offer that Everton had rejected for Tyler Dibling when assessing how much they can secure for Garnacho in the current market. The winger is on a relatively modest wage at Old Trafford and he will fit into Chelsea’s wage structure, so personal terms won’t complicate negotiations.