Wantaway Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho would prefer a move to Chelsea over Italian giants Napoli in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
The Argentina international's time at Old Trafford is seemingly coming to an inevitable end following the breakdown of his relationship with Ruben Amorim, which was triggered by the United boss leaving him out of the starting XI in the Europa League final.
Garnacho's brother and agent blasted the decision on social media, while the winger himself also expressed bemusement at the decision following the Red Devils' loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Garnacho was nevertheless included in Man United's travelling squad for their post-season tour of Asia, although it has been alleged that Amorim laid into the 20-year-old in front of his teammates, telling him he had better 'pray' he could find a new club.
Serie A champions Napoli initially appeared to be the best positioned to lure Garnacho away from the Theatre of Dreams, as it was reported last week that talks were set to take place with the Partenopei's sporting director.
Garnacho makes Chelsea 'number one choice' for summer move
© Imago
However, according to The Sun, the South American would rather join Enzo Maresca's Chelsea instead, and he has made the Conference League champions his 'number one choice' for a summer transfer.
Garnacho has supposedly given a specific demand to his agent to help him secure his dream move to Chelsea, telling his representative to make it clear to Maresca that he wants to continue in England's top flight.
The 2004-born attacker's prospective exit could potentially go down well with the rest of the United squad, as a source told the publication: "Garnacho seems to think he's the next Ronaldo and this was his 'exit interview' moment, like he wanted to annoy people so much that there was no option but to sell him.
"It's not gone down well with the rest of the players. There is a feeling that while he's a good player, he's not quite as good as he thinks he is."
Man United are understood to have slapped a £50m price tag on the head of Garnacho, who came up with 11 goals and 10 assists in 58 appearances for the Red Devils in all tournaments last season.
The Argentina international still has three years left to run on his contract with Man United, whom he boasts 26 goals and 22 assists in 144 matches for since making his debut in the 2021-22 season.
Garnacho could replace two unwanted attackers at Chelsea
© Imago
Chelsea's interest in Garnacho is well-documented, although whether they are willing to fork out £50m to land him in the coming weeks is another question entirely.
The Blues have made quite the habit of stockpiling wingers while neglecting the centre-forward spot, although they are set to address the latter with the £30m capture of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
Furthermore, adding Garnacho to their ranks could open the door for Chelsea to do away with a couple of unwanted wide men, namely Raheem Sterling, who will soon return from a disastrous loan spell at Arsenal.
Joao Felix will also be on the hunt for a new stomping ground this summer, and it remains to be seen how Mykhaylo Mudryk's doping situation will play out; he is still serving a provisional suspension for failing a test in December.
Ben Knapton
