Chelsea is interested in signing Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo
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Manchester United’s co-owners, INEOS, are facing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns, making academy graduate sales an attractive option for pure profit.
Initially, Marcus Rashford seemed the most likely departure this January after publicly revealing his desire for a new challenge.
However, his high wages and United’s asking price made a permanent exit unfeasible in the winter window. As a result, INEOS made the bold decision to put both Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo up for sale.
Chelsea had shown interest in both players but moved their focus to Garnacho. However, with no concrete offer for the Argentine yet, Napoli has emerged as the frontrunner for his signature.
Chelsea Keeping Tabs on Mainoo
Despite shifting focus to Garnacho, Chelsea have not given up on signing Mainoo.
Teamtalk reports that Enzo Maresca is still in the market for a versatile midfielder capable of playing both as a defensive pivot and further forward.
Chelsea are interested in signing a new midfielder before the transfer window closes and Manchester United star, Kobbie Mainoo remains on their radar.
Sources have reiterated to TEAMtalk today (Wednesday) that Enzo Maresca’s side are still in the market for a new midfielder who can play centrally and pivot as a number six.
With Romeo Lavia sidelined due to injury, Mainoo fits the profile Chelsea are looking for. However, United have reportedly set a £70 million asking price.
United’s Midfield Dilemma
Sources maintain that a bid of £70m would force Ruben Amorim’s side to consider selling Mainoo in the coming days and Chelsea are keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old’s situation.
If Mainoo departs, Amorim could be left short in midfield, with Casemiro not in his plans and Toby Collyer lacking top-level experience.
Many former United stars have criticized INEOS for putting the Stockport-born star on the market, and fans would be devastated if he were to join a direct domestic rival.
United seem prepared for either Rashford or Garnacho’s departure, as seen in their interest in Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel.
However, they do not appear to have a replacement in mind should Mainoo leave.