Arsenal backed out of move for Man Utd star after ‘conducting due diligence’ | Football

Arsenal reportedly decided against a transfer move for Alejandro Garnacho during last summer’s transfer window.

Garnacho, once regarded as one of United’s brightest young talents, burned bridges at Old Trafford at the end of last season when he publicly criticised Ruben Amorim after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.

He was placed in United’s ‘bomb squad’ – exiled from training and pre-season games while a move away from Manchester was explored.

While Bayern Munich and Napoli were credited with strong interest, Garnacho’s preference was to remain in the Premier League with Chelsea eventually getting a £40million deal over the line on transfer deadline day.

There was however interest elsewhere in the English top flight with The Sun reporting both Arsenal and Tottenham explored a deal.

Arsenal were in the market for a left winger last year, showing interest in Anthony Gordon and Real Madrid star Rodrgyo before eventually signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea with Eberechi Eze also arriving from Crystal Palace.

While Garnacho was considered, the Gunners, along with their north London rivals and Atletico Madrid, decided against making formal moves after conducting ‘due diligence’.

While he scored a memorable bicycle kick against Everton and in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, Garnacho’s time at United will also be remembered for accusations of ill-discipline, a lack of professionalism and problematic social media activity from both him and his brother.

That came to a head after the defeat to Spurs in Budapest when the Argentine took aim at Amorim.

United players were said to be relieved to see him not included in pre-season plans last summer amid fears it could disrupt squad harmony.

While Amorim is long gone, lingering ill-feeling between the squad and Garnacho was evident after United’s victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

After the game, Luke Shaw shared a picture of him winning the ball from his former teammate with Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zikrzee, Mason Mount, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Shea Lacey among those to like or comment on it.

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