Chelsea Close to Landing Man Utd Reject as Shocking Transfer Fee Emerges

Chelsea's summer transfer activity remains ongoing, with their interest in Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho reaching a critical phase.

The Argentine winger has been consistently connected to a potential departure from United throughout January and the current summer window, with a possible exit still on the cards before the transfer deadline

The Athletic indicates that Chelsea have accelerated discussions regarding Garnacho, who has dismissed all alternatives except joining the West London club or remaining at United. Negotiations have reached an advanced level, with reports suggesting he now "anticipates" becoming a Chelsea player.

Although Garnacho's asking price was initially set at £70 million ($93.7 million) for potential suitors, this figure has apparently dropped to £50 million ($66.9 million), according to The Guardian.

Reports from June suggested both club and player had agreed on a summer departure. Garnacho expressed frustration after United's Europa League final defeat, criticizing his limited playing time against Tottenham Hotspur. He subsequently described the campaign as a "piece of s---."

The 21-year-old was also connected with Bayer Leverkusen during the window, particularly after his previous coach Erik ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso in Germany. However, he allegedly preferred remaining in English football should he leave United.

Garnacho joined players like Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in being considered expendable by Ruben Amorim. Rashford has since secured a loan switch to Barcelona, while Sancho's destination remains uncertain.

Chelsea have already secured João Pedro, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato and Jamie Gittens during this window. Garnacho has operated on both flanks as an attacking wide player under ten Hag and Amorim. He could potentially fill the void left by Noni Madueke, who recently joined Arsenal. However, Chelsea's Garnacho pursuit might affect their chase for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.

Garnacho has featured in 144 matches for Manchester United, finding the net 26 times. He has claimed the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons respectively, scoring in the FA Cup final.

Regarding arrivals, Manchester United allegedly secured an agreement for Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig on Thursday. The club also holds interest in promising Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.