Chelsea in Talks to Sign Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United Signal Exit
Chelsea have opened negotiations with Manchester United over a potential deal to sign Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho.
The 21-year-old has been informed he is free to find a new club, with United head coach Rúben Amorim believing the player is seeking a fresh challenge. Garnacho had come close to joining Chelsea in January, with both parties optimistic that a transfer would be finalized. Although that deal ultimately fell through, interest from Stamford Bridge has persisted throughout the year.
Talks between the two clubs have remained active over the summer, and recent developments suggest a renewed focus in reaching an agreement. However, no deal has been finalized, and significant hurdles—particularly regarding the transfer fee—still remain.
As a “home-grown” player, Garnacho represents a valuable asset for Manchester United from a profit and sustainability standpoint. Having joined the club from Atlético Madrid at the age of 16, any transfer would be recorded as pure profit under current financial regulations. United initially valued the winger at £60 million earlier in the summer, though it remains unclear whether Chelsea are willing to meet that figure.
Garnacho’s situation at Old Trafford has been increasingly strained. Following United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May, Amorim was criticised for publicly suggesting the winger should “find somewhere else to play.” While Garnacho did participate in the club’s post-season tour of Asia, he appeared disconnected and frustrated, further fuelling speculation about his exit.
He was left out of United’s recent pre-season tour of the United States, after initially being told to delay his return to training in anticipation of a potential move. When a deal did not materialize, he was asked to train separately from the main squad—alongside other out-of-favour players including Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Marcus Rashford, who has since joined Barcelona on loan.
Speaking from Chicago last week, Amorim commented on Garnacho’s situation:
“You can see he is talented, he’s a really talented boy. 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.”
While no final decision has been made, the expectation remains that Garnacho’s future may yet lie in West London, as Chelsea look to add dynamic talent to their wide options ahead of the 2025/26 season.
