‘Sense an opportunity…’: Chelsea insider shares intriguing Mainoo, Garnacho update amid contact with agents

Stretty News

·8 janvier 2025

‘Sense an opportunity…’: Chelsea insider shares intriguing Mainoo, Garnacho update amid contact with agents

While it’s certainly not a priority for the club, Chelsea have made the first steps in materialising their Kobbie Mainoo interest by contacting his agents.

You can’t imagine they’re the only top European side currently mulling over a deal, either, as the ever-reliable David Ornstein has confirmed that Manchester United would consider any substantial offers for both Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho should they arrive.

Vidéos OneFootball

INEOS, amidst their severe cost-cutting endeavours, are under increasing pressure to create more room for manoeuvre around the league’s financial constraints and have seemingly identified their most marketable academy graduates as potential outgoings to generate pure profit.

In line with that, fans suspect that’s also the reason the owners are now seemingly adamant about selling Marcus Rashford, despite tying him down to a long-term deal in the summer of 2023.

Mainoo swapping red for blue isn’t out of the realm of possibility

(Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Chelsea’s rumoured interest in Mainoo came out of the blue, so much so that supporters began questioning the reliability of those breaking the news. However, Ornstein did state that the club hold the 19-year-old, amongst several other players, in high regard.

Trusted Blues insider Si Phillips has disclosed his understanding of the situation via his Substack, telling the Stamford Bridge faithful this morning: “What we have heard is that Chelsea once again sense an opportunity with a contract standoff between Mainoo and Manchester United.

“Sources have heard that United ARE still trying to agree a new contract. However, it has also been reported by reliable outlets that United might not be able to refuse any good offers for Mainoo due to PSR issues, with a number of their homegrown players now up for sale.

“Interestingly, Chelsea also had recent interest in Alejandro Garnacho under this ownership, but I haven’t heard of anything new on that.

“But back to Mainoo, Chelsea have basically just reached out to his agents to tell them they are interested and to see if anything is viable. My top source messaged me late last night and said ‘We are trying to turn Mainoo’s head.’ We heard yesterday that he ideally wants to stay in Manchester. But maybe this is where agent Cole Palmer comes in!?

“Chelsea are certainly trying, and it could even happen this month. It certainly has some legs to it.”