Chelsea and Man Utd Close In on Blockbuster Alejandro Garnacho Deal as Breakthrough Looms

Chelsea are now reportedly "nearing a deal" for the outright acquisition of Manchester United's winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Garnacho hasn't featured for United since the Europa League final last May, following which his frustrated reaction to being substituted seemed to trigger this ongoing transfer situation. He, alongside other players in the so-called "bomb squad," missed pre-season activities and has been excluded from all three matchday rosters in the opening stages of the 2025–26 campaign.

Chelsea first expressed interest in Garnacho during January, but this pursuit has been renewed this summer, amid additional speculation linking him to Napoli and Saudi Arabian clubs.

With the transfer window deadline approaching, The Guardian reports that negotiations between Chelsea and Manchester United appear headed toward a "middle ground" regarding the transfer fee. Garnacho was previously priced at £50 million ($67.5 million), but an agreement could now materialize for £35–40 million.

As a wing player, the Argentine is seen as a higher priority for the Blues than attacking midfielder target Xavi Simons, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur after James Maddison's long-term injury and their unsuccessful pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

While The Guardian piece suggests that Chelsea are "optimistic" about completing a Garnacho transfer without needing to first sell unwanted pair Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, The Times indicates that AC Milan are expected to "intensify discussions" for the latter's signature.

Nkunku has primarily been connected with a Bundesliga return this summer—to Bayern Munich and his former team RB Leipzig—but Chelsea are believed to have rejected loan proposals while seeking a permanent sale of the French player. Departing players before next Monday's window closure would undoubtedly benefit the club's financial position, though there's disagreement about how essential these sales actually are.

Jackson's representative recently hinted that a resolution regarding the striker's future is approaching quickly.