Chelsea are considering a move for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho before the transfer window closes.
Garnacho is a player they have been watching closely – and a move is possible during this window or in the summer.
Chelsea would only proceed with a deal at the right price and on the right terms, however.
Relations between Chelsea and United are very good at the highest levels.
The door has opened for Chelsea given Napoli – who also had an interest in Garnacho – have now turned their attentions to Karim Adeyemi at Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky in Italy and Sky in Germany.
Napoli are targeting move for Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi
Chelsea have been kept in the loop over Napoli’s discussions with United for the Argentina international, in the event of there being an opportunity to muscle in on a potential deal.
The Serie A club held meetings with Matt Hargreaves, United’s director of football negotiations, in Italy this midweek to talk through a permanent transfer for the 20-year-old winger.
Sky in Italy revealed there was a drop from the initial asking price – a package in excess of £60m (€75m), with United now wanting no less than £55m (€65m).
Napoli do not want to exceed £46.5m (€55m) in total and Chelsea have been made aware of where matters stand.
Garnacho’s agents Carlos Cambeiro and Quique De Lucas were in attendance at Stamford Bridge on Monday for the 3-1 victory over Wolves.
Chelsea’s admiration of Garnacho has been well documented, but Napoli’s interest has been judged as stronger due to their direct engagement with United.
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Mark Ogden believes Ruben Amorim is frustrated with Alejandro Garnacho’s progress
There is a feeling that Chelsea are just biding their time. However, Napoli boss Antonio Conte believes the player, who is reluctant to leave Old Trafford and is not actively pushing for an exit, wants to work under him.
Aside from a golden chance to win Serie A and expressing to Garnacho how he would be adored by Napoli fans and love their atmosphere – as an Argentina international, there is also the allure of playing at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Chelsea though are encouraged that Garnacho’s young family are settled in England and a move within this country would be less daunting.
United’s preference, naturally, would be for him to thrive in Naples. Ultimately they will not sell the attacker well below his valuation.
Napoli are maintaining their offer – but have shown they will look elsewhere by exploring a deal for Dortmund’s Adeyemi.
Napoli are in talks with Dortmund, according to both Sky in Germany and Sky in Italy, trying to find out more about how open he is to joining them and to then try and get closer to the conditions Dortmund might accept in order to sell him.
Sky in Germany are reporting that Dortmund are now more open to selling him and Napoli are willing to pay around £44m (€52.5m).
Direct contact between Conte and the player is also likely in the next hours, according to Sky in Italy.
However, the winger does not want to move in the winter, Sky in Germany are reporting.
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