Alejandro Garnacho has been offered the chance to reunite with former Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay at Napoli after his Chelsea stint appears to be ending. The 22-year-old Argentine winger joined Chelsea from United for £40 million last summer but struggled in the 2025/26 season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. He lost his place in the starting lineup near the end of the campaign and was not selected for Argentina's World Cup squad.
Chelsea's Decision to Sell
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Garnacho does not feature in his plans and is free to leave. In his first press conference on Monday, Alonso said: "Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors. There is an interest for him from other clubs. So let's see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for other clubs."
Chelsea want to recoup as much of the £40 million they paid for Garnacho, but a loan with an obligation to buy is considered more realistic given his form last season.
Napoli's Interest and Other Suitors
According to Calcio Mercato, Napoli have been offered Garnacho by Chelsea and his representatives. A move to Naples would reunite him with Scott McTominay, who joined Napoli from United last summer. However, Napoli have 'closed the door' on signing Garnacho for now, as 'signings of that calibre aren't on the cards' due to 'age, long-term planning and wage demands'.
Despite this, Serie A appears the most realistic destination for Garnacho. Juventus, Como, Roma, and Inter Milan have also been linked with a summer transfer.
Garnacho's Manchester United Legacy
Before moving to Chelsea, Garnacho spent four and a half years at United, making 144 senior appearances and scoring 26 goals. Reflecting on his departure, Garnacho said: "Maybe yes, because I loved that club. They gave me the confidence from the start. From Spain, to bring me to the academy, then they bring me to the first team. So it was like four or five years, and amazing love from everyone."
He added: "I remember in the last six months I was just not playing like before at Manchester United. I started to be on the bench, it's not a bad thing. I was only 20 years old, but in my mind it was like I had to play every game. In my mind, maybe it is also on me, I started to do some bad things. But yes, it was just this moment in life and sometimes you have to make decisions and I am really proud to be here [at Chelsea] and still in the Premier League at a club like this. Everyone knows the team we have and the things we can do. Sometimes, we have better moments or worse moments, I am proud to be here but with United, I have nothing wrong to say about the club, no one in the club or the team-mates. It's just a moment in life that changes and life continues. I have no regrets."
