Arsenal explored a shock move for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho before ultimately deciding against a transfer, according to reports. The Gunners were among several clubs to show interest in the Argentine, who has been left out of United's pre-season tour, but they opted to pursue other targets instead.
Arsenal instead turned their attention to Noni Madueke, signing the winger from Chelsea in a £48m deal. Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid also conducted due diligence on Garnacho, but both clubs looked elsewhere. Spurs paid £55m for Mohammed Kudus, while Atletico, where Garnacho spent time in the academy, added Alex Baena and Thiago Almada.
Chelsea are now closing in on a cut-price deal for Garnacho, having agreed personal terms with the player. Negotiations over a fee are ongoing, with Manchester United having dropped their asking price since Chelsea's interest in January. The transfer window remains open until September 1.
Garnacho featured in all but two of United's Premier League matches last season, scoring six goals. However, he did not start any of the final three league games and was left out of the starting line-up for the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Speaking after that match, Garnacho admitted his frustration, saying: 'Up until the final I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don't know. The final will influence [my decision] but the whole season, the situation of the club.' United boss Ruben Amorim later said: 'Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership and I can understand that.'
