Chelsea are in active talks to ink Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with discussions intensifying over the summer.
The young winger has been told to seek a new club after United head coach Ruben Amorimcame to a conclusion that the player is looking for a new endevour.
The Argentine forward was close to sealing a move to Stamford Bridge in January, with both parties confident a deal would be struck. While the transfer failed to materialise at the time, the expectation remained that Garnacho could eventually make the switch to west London.
Throughout the summer, communication channels between Chelsea and the player’s camp have remained open. However, only recently has the focus shifted towards more concrete talks, though there is still no agreement in place over a final transfer fee.
As a “home-grown” player under football regulations, the potential sale of Garnacho could provide significant profit for United, given that he joined the club’s youth setup from Atletico Madrid at the age of 16. This factor plays into United’s profit and sustainability considerations.
At the beginning of the summer window, United were seeking around ÂŁ60 million for the winger. Whether Chelsea are willing to match that valuation remains uncertain.
Amorim’s handling of Garnacho has drawn attention, particularly after the coach told him to find a new club immediately following United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham in May. While Garnacho participated in the post-season tour of Asia, his body language suggested detachment, and he appeared unhappy with his situation.
The winger was also omitted from United’s recent three-match tour of the United States. Initially, he was instructed to delay his return to pre-season training in anticipation of a transfer agreement. When no deal was completed, Garnacho was directed to train separately from Amorim’s main squad. He joined a group of other sidelined players, including Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Marcus Rashford — the latter later securing a loan move to Barcelona.
Speaking in Chicago last week, Amorim praised Garnacho’s ability but acknowledged the circumstances had shifted.
“You can see he is talented, he’s a really talented boy,” Amorim said. “But sometimes things don’t work out.
“You cannot explain specifically what it is but I have the feeling it’s clear Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership.
“I can understand that. It is not a problem. Sometimes you adapt to one guy and have a connection, other times you want a new challenge. It’s a natural thing in football.”
Chelsea are now weighing their options as they push to secure the winger before the close of the transfer window. For United, the decision could hinge on how closely any incoming offer aligns with their valuation.
With Garnacho keen on a new start and Chelsea interested in adding attacking depth, both clubs could be edging towards an agreement that would see one of United’s brightest young talents swap Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge.