“He will destroy your dressing room” “Don’t make that mistake to sign him” – Enzo Maresca warned to reconsider ‘problematic’ £50m transfer decision
Frank Leboeuf is fearful that Chelsea would be creating more problems than solutions if they were to bring Alejandro Garnacho to Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho has long been destined to leave Manchester United after a falling out with Ruben Amorim at the end of last season, but has reiterated his desire to stay in the Premier League.
Chelsea pursued a deal for the winger in January and have now reportedly reignited their efforts to bring the Argentine international to west London.
Garnacho is said to have already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, although the Blues still have to match United’s £50m valuation before a sale is sanctioned.
The 21-year-old regsistered six goals and two assists in the league last season, but would be walking into a team stacked with talent in wide attacking areas.
Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer remain key players in Enzo Maresca’s side, while summer signings Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro all showed their capabilities in Chelsea’s pre-season victory over Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the week.
And with that in mind, Lebouef believes his former side should think twice about signing Garnacho, fearing that the stockpiling of talent could have adverse effects on the squad’s harmony.
‘No I don’t understand it (Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho), of course not,’ he told ESPN.
‘And on top of it, I saw Gittens coming in for the last 15 minures and he really impressed me. Every time he got the ball, he made a difference. He was very impressive.
‘Garnacho will play in the same position on the left side – I never saw Garnacho do that even when he was at the top of his game.
‘He’s a great player but you are going to pay between 50 or 60million for a guy in a position where you already have the players that you need. I don’t see Garnacho adding something better than what they already have.’
Lebouef continued: ‘To have it too crowded can also create problems. The dressing room is going to be young and the atmosphere can change – one person can destroy it.
‘I’m not saying that would be Garnacho, it could be any player if they don’t play and become moody, which creates problems in the dressing room.’