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Enzo Maresca has shut down speculation linking Chelsea with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, insisting he is “happy” with the forwards he currently has at his disposal.
A report on Sky Sports said the Blues were considering a move for the Argentine, who recently lost his place in Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup in recent weeks.
Amorim refused to confirm whether the 20-year-old would remain at Old Trafford this month, but Chelsea boss Maresca says Stamford Bridge is unlikely to be his destination.
When asked in reports ahead of facing Manchester City on Sunday, the Italian said: “No, no. I’m happy with the ones we have at the moment.
“We have said many times on the right side, it is Pedro (Neto) and Noni (Madueke) and the left side is Jadon (Sancho).
“Misha (Mudryk) was with us and now he’s not with us. I think Tyrique (George) is a young profile that can help us, so right now, we’re good.”
A trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/sq5pz7efwz
– Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) January 23, 2025
Maresca on Man City struggles: ‘Pep needs support’
City comfortably led Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, but the duo have enjoyed contrasting fortunes since.
The defending champions have been off the pace this term, sitting 12 points behind leaders Liverpool in fifth, while a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain leaves them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.
But Maresca, who was manager Pep Guardiola’s assistant for two spells between 2021 and 2023, is confident the Catalan tactician will restore City to their previous winning ways.
The 44-year-old said: “Pep is strong enough. Like any human being, you need support. In the last eight or nine years, they were always at the top, always winning trophies and important things.
“It’s normal, it can happen. What doesn’t happen is the number of years they won trophies.
“What is normal is what is happening now. Surely they will return to many trophies soon.
“My relationship with Pep and the club is very good. I have said many times that my contact is very good, I will always be grateful for the trust they showed in me.
“Any club, any time, any player. Most of the clubs that have this moment, they are done, but he will be fine.”
Chelsea injury news
Maresca says talismanic striker Cole Palmer is “improving”, having set up Chelsea’s recent FA Cup win over Morecambe, although he did so and went on to play against Crystal Palace and Wolves in the Premier League.
The Italian said: “He is better. He put in an incredible effort to play against Wolves and is getting better.”
On the fitness of the rest of his squad, Maresca said: “Probably Levi (Colwill) and Enzo (Fernández) could be ready (to face Man City), it depends on today’s session.
“Romeo (Lavia) will leave on Saturday. We still don’t know (the severity of the injury). We have to wait a little longer, but at least a few more weeks (he will be out).”
