Manchester United sent Alejandro Garnacho transfer 'opportunity' message amid Napoli bid
Alejandro Garnacho is the subject of Serie A transfer interest as Napoli seek a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - but some Manchester Evening News readers in our comments section think it would be unfair to part ways with Garnacho this early into Ruben Amorim's reign.
The young Argentine was one of a handful of players deemed "untouchable" in last year's summer transfer window, but this is no longer the case after previously falling out of favour with new boss Amorim. Garnacho's return to the team in recent games has seen an assist for Bruno Fernandes in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal.
Serie A heavyweights Napoli have recently sold star Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain for £63.1 million, leaving them with money to reinvest. But there is a large difference between United and Napoli's valuation of Garnacho - United want £67.3 million to part ways with their young winger, while Napoli reckon it's more like £42 million.
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The chasm in those prices is going to be a sticking point, but some Manchester United fans reckon it's worth a sale if they can negotiate for more. Reader Glazerclowns says: “If we get a world class striker in return, that is the only reason for selling. We haven’t got one of those.”
Andrewdev writes: “60m and I’ll drive him to the airport. Would be good business.” Nevisanidiot says it's important to reverse the trend of poor value United sales: “The club has to stand tall in any negotiations with them. If they can't afford the demand then don't waste time and more importantly don't undersell.”
Others would have concerns about selling Garnacho. Bluethroughnthrough says: “Keeping Garnacho after selling Pellistri (for peanuts) sounds like a no brainer to me. Especially when we can now completely disregard Anthony and Rashford as well. Why would two wide men be deemed as excessive?”
Steady Irwin disagrees: “But they're not wide men anymore, well Amad maybe, but Garnacho looks very uncomfortable with the defensive side of the game. I think he's a wide attacker through and through, which is grand - but maybe that doesn't work with us anymore. And I'd like to see Chido-Obi and Shea Lacey come in in his place.”
Tankjr writes: “Other than lining the pockets of the owners some more, there is no reason to even be considering selling Garnacho for at least 3 years while he continues to develop, especially as he's already a tried and tested Prem level player which at 20 years of age with his speed, technical ability, fight and recent assists make him an £80-100m player.”
Toothpick says:“I'm sure Garnacho will be a much better player under Amorim and we should focus on moving players on who doesn't want to stay. I don't think Garnacho wants to leave Utd.”
BayBoy writes: “If you look at the cost of players United are being linked to then an acceptable fee for Garnacho would have to start at a minimum of £100m, anything less is laughable.”
Garth123 says: “I would like to see every opportunity for Garnacho to adapt to this new system before any decision on his future is made. I know he is struggling despite the 2 recent assists. One only needs to rewatch the games to see that.
"I think he should be given at the very least to the end of this season to show adaptability and improvement in performance. That's the same opportunity some others will be allowed before a decision is made in summer. Being young, time is on his side for coaching to a new role.”
Have your say! Is selling United's young stars the way forward if it means more aggressive transfer activity for Ruben Amorim? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.