Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, with talks stepping up over a transfer valued at about £35-40 million (around $46-54 million). Garnacho, 21, has been told he can leave United this summer and has not featured for Ruben Amorim’s team since the end of last season, having been left out of the preseason tour to the United States to train with other out-of-favor teammates.
Background context for the deal includes United’s ongoing efforts to offload players who are not in the manager’s plans. Rashford recently completed a season-long loan move to Barcelona, while United have struggled to move other squad members. Garnacho had previously rejected a move to Bayern Munich, making clear his preference to leave only for Chelsea.
Chelsea had shown interest earlier in the summer, though a deal was not possible at the time as the two clubs sparred over valuation. Chelsea were prepared to pay around £30 million, while United valued Garnacho closer to £50 million. Talks have now resumed with negotiations reportedly between £35 million and £40 million, and there is no final agreement yet. However, messages from those involved suggest a transfer could be wrapped up before the next Monday’s 7 p.m. BST transfer deadline.
What this could mean
– For United: Offloading Garnacho would free up space and reduce wage costs, fitting into the club’s broader objective to trim the squad this summer.
– For Chelsea: Garnacho would add pace and attacking versatility to the flanks, reinforcing Enzo Maresca’s plans as Chelsea balance the books and push for ambition next season.
– Financial/club context: Chelsea are balancing books under UEFA-related restrictions by moving on players from last season’s Conference League-winning squad, with Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson among the departures previously pursued.
What to watch
– Whether talks reach a formal agreement before the deadline and how the medical and contract details unfold.
– Garnacho’s stance if an offer is accepted and how United navigate his potential exit.
– Chelsea’s next steps in the transfer window if Garnacho signs, and who else might be targeted to bolster the squad.
Logical takeaway
If completed, this move would mark a significant shift for both clubs: United freeing a young winger who has shown potential, and Chelsea adding a dynamic wide forward to bolster their attack while continuing their financial planning ahead of a tight deadline. The next 24 hours should reveal whether Garnacho’s move to Chelsea becomes official.