Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned down the chance to bring Manchester United’s controversial winger Alejandro Garnacho to north London. Both clubs carried out extensive “due diligence” on the Argentine before deciding to pursue other attacking targets. The verdict was clear: despite Garnacho’s raw ability, the baggage that comes with him outweighed the potential upside.

Arsenal & Spurs rejected Garnacho moveChelsea lead the race despite past controversiesUnited demand £50m for unsettled wingerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, the focus has shifted to bolstering the wings with more predictable, stable options. The Gunners have already snapped up Noni Madueke from Chelsea and remain heavily linked with Crystal Palace’s talismanic Eberechi Eze. Over in N17, Spurs boss Thomas Frank has also looked elsewhere, holding talks over a move for Manchester City’s Brazilian prospect Savinho while keeping a close eye on Eze’s situation.

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According to the even Atletico Madrid, Garnacho’s old stomping ground, weighed up the possibility of a dramatic reunion. Ultimately, Diego Simeone’s side swerved the move, choosing instead to sign Villarreal’s Alex Baena. The Spanish club decided the risk factor was simply too high, despite Garnacho’s history with their academy.

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While others backed away, Chelsea are charging ahead. The Blues have emerged as clear frontrunners, with the winger’s agents, Carlos Cambeiro and Enrique de Lucas, already spotted at Stamford Bridge during January. Chelsea want a deal in the region of £30 million ($41m), but United’s valuation sits much higher at around £50m ($68m). Bayer Leverkusen tested the waters with a £30m bid in January, only to be swiftly rebuffed.

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The cracks between Garnacho and United boss Ruben Amorim have been widening for months. In May, Amorim bluntly told the 22-year-old he was free to go, frustrated by Garnacho’s public doubts over his future and his complaints after being benched following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.

Matters weren’t helped by a stormy February incident, when Garnacho reacted to being subbed at half-time against Ipswich by marching straight down the Old Trafford tunnel. He later tried to repair the damage by paying for a team dinner, but trust between player and manager appeared irreparably damaged.