Chelsea risk upsetting Alejandro Garnacho as Marcus Rashford transfer twist emerges

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Chelsea summer signing Alejandro Garnacho has barely had time to settle in before rumours have started swirling that his position could be under threat. And the potential competition is none other than Marcus Rashford .

Both players experienced their own forms of exile at Manchester United last season before departing Old Trafford in the summer. Garnacho, 21, completed a bargain £40million move to Stamford Bridge , while 28-year-old Rashford was loaned out to Barcelona .

Garnacho has been in the starting line-up for Chelsea's last five Premier League matches and assisted two of their three goals in a victory over Wolves just prior to the international break. However, if Rashford were to join the Blues, Garnacho's spot would immediately be up for grabs.

This scenario is becoming increasingly likely as Rashford's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, is reported to have held talks with Chelsea . El Nacional claims Rashford's representative was in London for negotiations, while Tottenham are also said to be in discussions.

Barcelona hold first-refusal rights on Rashford and can sign him permanently next summer for a fee of around £28m . The player has seen a revival in Spain and appears to be worth the price tag after contributing 15 direct goal contributions (six goals, nine assists) in only 16 appearances under Hansi Flick.

The England forward is on track to hit double figures for the first time since his 30-goal haul under Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 season. However, United might be hoping Barca don't make his signing permanent, knowing they could command a higher fee in today's market.

Rumours are swirling that Rashford has had enough of life at United, particularly with the prospect of playing under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Yet, a return to Premier League action isn't out of the question if Chelsea decide to pursue their interest.

Garnacho used the tension between Rashford and United to engineer his own departure from the club earlier this year. The Argentine star posted a photo of himself donning Rashford's Aston Villa shirt in June, just as Rashford was wrapping up a six-month loan spell in Birmingham.

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This not-so-subtle hint caused an uproar among many United supporters and was seen as a clear signal he wanted out of United. Garnacho got his wish, but it's somewhat ironic Rashford could now disrupt his rise in west London.

Enzo Maresca seems to be a big admirer of Garnacho's talent and has given him more responsibility in the starting line-up recently. Cole Palmer's recent injury problems have worked in his favour, although he could find himself back on the bench once the Englishman is fit again.

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Rashford's impressive form at Barcelona hasn't gone unnoticed by England boss Thomas Tuchel , who brought the forward back into the starting line-up for the recent 2-0 victory over Serbia. Meanwhile, Garnacho has been overlooked by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and is one year removed from his last international appearance.

While United would ideally want to get the highest possible price for Rashford if he were to leave, selling to a direct competitor comes with its own risks. And this could be one reunion that Garnacho might prefer to avoid if it were to jeopardise his position at Chelsea.