Chelsea's search for attacking reinforcements has taken a fresh twist, raising immediate questions about the future of summer signing Alejandro Garnacho at Stamford Bridge.
Blues' swift return to the transfer market
Just five months after securing the high-profile signing of winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for £40 million in August 2025, Chelsea are already actively scouting for another wide player.
Reports from The Athletic confirm the club made a direct enquiry for former Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who ultimately completed a £64 million transfer to rivals Manchester City in the January 2026 window.
Chelsea's interest in Semenyo, a player noted for his powerful blend of technique and directness, signals a clear intent to add a different dimension to their attack. The club is specifically seeking a player who can provide an instant, game-changing spark, a quality they feel has been lacking from their wide areas.
Increased pressure on Garnacho
This potential new arrival would place significant additional pressure on Alejandro Garnacho and fellow young winger Jamie Gittens. Both players have, according to reports, struggled to find the necessary confidence and consistency when handed opportunities in the first team this season.
For Garnacho, this would echo a familiar situation. His departure from Manchester United was precipitated by a fallout with then-manager Ruben Amorim, which saw him relegated to the club's so-called 'bomb squad' and excluded from pre-season plans.
Upon his £40 million switch to Chelsea, the Argentine winger was candid about his exit from Old Trafford, stating he had no regrets. "Sometimes in life you need to change things to take a step forward or improve as a player," Garnacho said. "It was the right moment, and the right club. So it was an easy decision."
Chelsea's broader transfer agenda
The pursuit of another attacker is part of a broader and accelerated recruitment strategy at Stamford Bridge. The club's hierarchy is keen to ease the creative burden on star man Cole Palmer.
Beyond the forward line, the report also indicates Chelsea would be willing to move quickly for a midfielder and a defender if the right opportunities present themselves, rather than waiting until the summer window.
Garnacho, who started 23 Premier League matches for United in the 2024/25 season, now faces a critical period in his Chelsea career. The club's continued activity in the market suggests his place is far from guaranteed, and he must quickly adapt to justify the significant investment made in him last summer.
