Manchester United have firmly rejected Chelsea’s attempts to secure winger Alejandro Garnacho through a swap deal, insisting on a cash-only transfer.
The Red Devils’ stance has thrown the 21-year-old Argentine’s potential move into doubt, despite his clear desire to join the Blues.
United have set a valuation of around 50 million pounds for Garnacho, down from an earlier 70 million pounds, but Chelsea have indicated they are unwilling to pay more than 30 million pounds for the young star.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Garnacho has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, stating on X, “Alejandro Garnacho has agreed every detail of personal terms with Chelsea! Deal done on player side, he only wants Chelsea.”
Romano also revealed to DAZN that Garnacho issued a bold ultimatum to United: “Either Chelsea or I stay here and don’t play football for 6-12 months.”
This statement underscores the winger’s frustration after being excluded from United’s pre-season tour of the United States and training separately from the first team under manager Ruben Amorim.Chelsea have proposed including players such as Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, and Renato Veiga in a potential swap deal, but United have rebuffed these offers. A source close to the negotiations told the Mirror, “United have made it clear that they want cash to re-invest into their squad, not players.”
The Red Devils are keen to offload several players, including Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, who have been described as part of their “bomb squad.” United’s recent signings, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for 74 million pounds, have increased their need to balance the books under Profit and Sustainability Rules.
However, not everyone is convinced Garnacho would be a valuable addition to Chelsea’s squad. Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has questioned the move, praising summer signing Jamie Gittens as a superior option.
Leboeuf told ESPN, “I saw Gittens coming in for the last 15 minutes and he really impressed me. Every time he got the ball, he made a difference. I don’t see Garnacho adding something better than what they already have.”
Garnacho, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has scored 26 goals in 144 appearances, including a memorable strike in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City. Despite his talent, his relationship with Amorim has deteriorated, particularly after his public frustration at being benched for United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
As the transfer window progresses, Chelsea remain focused on other targets, including RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, but Garnacho’s situation continues to dominate discussions.
With both clubs holding firm on their valuations, the winger’s future hangs in the balance, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next development in this high-stakes transfer saga.
