Chelsea backed to sign two Man United stars in transfer raid that would 'improve' the squad

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

Sign up to the free Chelsea newsletter for the latest Blues news straight to your inbox

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Sign up to the free Chelsea newsletter for the latest Blues news straight to your inbox

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has urged the Blues to target out-of-favour Manchester United duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, and admitted: "They will improve us."

Garnacho's future at United is uncertain after Ruben Amorim told him he can leave this summer. The 20-year-old Argentine was named on the bench for the Europa League final and that prompted him to criticise Amorim, expressing his discontent to playing just 19 minutes during the 1-0 defeat against Tottenham.

Amorim has since informed Garnacho, who has three years left on his contract, that he can exit United and find a new club.

Chelsea are in the market for a right-footed left winger and Garnacho, alongside Borrusia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens and Athletic Club de Bilbao's Nico Williams, has been identified as summer targets.

As for Mainoo, he was tipped to make the shock move to Chelsea last summer but he ended up staying at Old Trafford.

The Blues have continued to keep an eye on Mainoo's situation, with the 20-year-old England international struggling for regular game time following Amorim's appointment as head coach back in November.

Both players could leave United as the Reds look to raise funds and Mikel, who made over 350 appearances for Chelsea, has urged Enzo Maresca's side to take a look at Garnacho and Mainoo.

"I like both of these players," Mikel told Metro. "I have no idea what the issue is with Garnacho and Ruben Amorim because for me he is one of the best players at Man United.

"The squad is what it is, and you want to get rid of Garnacho. Really? I can’t see the sense in that because every time he plays he is a threat.

"The issue is probably the defensive side of his game but that is something you have to work with a young player on. To change their mentality to make sure their defensive responsibilities are taken seriously.

"With Kobbie Mainoo, maybe they feel they need to cash in on him to raise the funds. Maybe he did not have the season we all expected from him last season, he looked a shadow of the player he was when he first burst onto the scene.

"Again, I have no idea what the issue has been. The system, the manager? Is he not happy with the environment at the football club?

"There are so many factors you have to look at right now with Manchester United. If those are two players Chelsea want, I will take those two, definitely.

"They can only come in and improve us as a football club. I know if they come in, they will improve us as a team."

Click here to read article