It’s set to be a very busy end to the transfer window all across Europe, but perhaps no more so than at Chelsea.
Given their need to balance the books, and the fact they’re currently employing 42 senior players, the Blues are hoping for a mass exodus between now and Monday’s deadline.
Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, David Datro Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and others are all up for sale, so it’ll be interesting to see how many do indeed depart in the coming days.
Meantime, despite having made nine new signings this summer already, Chelsea are expected to make at least one more.
Chelsea's search for more signings
As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic on X, Chelsea are currently ‘evaluating the possibility’ of signing Fermín López from Barcelona.
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Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Spain international was valued at £43m by Barça, who do not want to sell the 22-year-old, but are open to offers, given their ongoing financial problems.
Nevertheless, given how little time remains in the window, this appears a long shot, although you never know, but there is a highly-rated young talent that Chelsea are far more likely to get their hands on in the next few days.
That’s because, again, as reported by Ornstein in the Transfer DealSheet, Chelsea are ‘expected’ to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, with the Argentine winger still ‘keen’ on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have already seen multiple bids rejected for Garnacho this summer, with Manchester United holding out for a fee close to £50m, despite the fact he clearly has no future at Old Trafford.
This one is likely to go right to the wire, so will the 21-year-old escape the infamous Carrington bomb squad and belatedly move to West London?
What Alejandro Garnacho will bring to Chelsea
Despite having only celebrated his 21st birthday as recently as last month, Garnacho has plenty of experience under his belt.
Already, he has amassed 144 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 26 goals, the unquestionable pick of the bunch being this jaw-dropping overhead kick against Everton at Goodison.
Last season, despite having now been cast aside by Rúben Amorim, Garnacho was a key figure as Manchester United endured their most miserable season since the mid-70s, as the table below documents.
Minutes
2,199
5th
Goals
6
3rd
xG
7.3
2nd
xA
4.5
3rd
Big chances created
4
3rd
Big chances missed
14
1st
Shots
84
2nd
Shots on target
29
1st
Key passes
37
3rd
Shot-creating actions
83
3rd
Progressive carries
141
1st
Prog passes received
290
1st
Attempted take-ons
89
1st
Carries into box
67
1st
As the table highlights, Garnacho ranked in the top three for every attacking statistic at Manchester United in the Premier League last season, only outscored by Bruno Fernandes and Amad, while he was clear in first place when it came to all dribbling-based metrics.
As a result, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him a “diamond”, while Statman Dave asserts that he is one of the best two young wingers on the planet, alongside Lamine Yamal, which is certainly high praise.
So, why would he have a bigger impact at Stamford Bridge than Fermín?
Well, the young Spaniard, while obviously highly rated, is significantly less experienced, starting only 39 times for Barcelona to date, with his breakthrough only coming last season, but even then he saw just 12 La Liga starts.
Also, central midfield is certainly the strongest section of Chelsea’s team, with Moisés Caicedo alongside Enzo Fernández, arguably, the best pairing in the division, while Enzo Maresca has also deployed Reece James in that position, with Roméo Lavia and Andrey Santos very viable alternatives too.
This is not to say Chelsea are not overflowing with wingers, but Garnacho appears better equipped to come in and make an impact straight away.
Thus, while of course prioritising sales, the Blues should focus on finalising the deal to bring Garnacho to Stamford Bridge, rather than being distracted by Fermín.