The transfer saga surrounding wantaway Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reached an explosive and critical new stage. The Argentine international has reportedly issued a stunning ultimatum to the club in a direct attempt to force through his desired move to Chelsea this summer.
According to a bombshell report from Fabrizio Romano, Garnacho has sent a clear and unequivocal message to the Old Trafford hierarchy: “Chelsea or I stay here and don’t play football for 6-12 months.” This is an extreme and dramatic display of player power designed to push the transfer over the line.
This drastic measure comes as official, club-to-club talks between Manchester United and Chelsea are described as being “well underway.” It is highly likely that the negotiations have stalled over United’s reported £50 million asking price for the player, prompting this direct intervention from Garnacho himself.
The player’s personal position has been clear for some time. It is understood that he “only wants Chelsea,” and that personal terms between the player and the London club have already been fully agreed. The transfer now hinges solely on the two clubs being able to reach an agreement on the final fee.
This ultimatum puts Manchester United in an incredibly difficult and delicate position. They can either call his bluff and stand firm, risking having a highly-paid, unhappy, and depreciating asset sitting on the sidelines, or they can lower their demands to sanction a sale to one of their direct Premier League rivals.
With the player issuing such a strong and public threat to effectively go on strike, the move is now widely “expected to happen.” Alejandro Garnacho has played his final, decisive card to secure his move to Stamford Bridge, and the pressure is now immense on Manchester United to find a swift resolution.