Manchester United Turns Down Blockbuster Chelsea Double-Star Swap Proposal
Manchester United declined the chance to acquire Roméo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku during the summer transfer window when Chelsea proposed both players as part of a package deal for Alejandro Garnacho, according to recent reports.
Ruben Amorim was given substantial support in the previous summer's transfer market, securing a completely new attacking trio and goalkeeper, with United investing approximately £225 million ($295.8 million) in total.
Despite a productive transfer period that has helped revitalize the struggling club, there remained frustration regarding their failure to secure an elite midfielder. Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba was heavily linked, though his valuation proved too steep, while Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand and VfB Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller were among European targets mentioned.
United were eventually unable to bring in a new central midfielder, though this position still needs reinforcement. They're ideally seeking young, dynamic midfielders who could eventually replace 33-year-old veteran Casemiro.
Nevertheless, according to ESPN, United turned down the opportunity to sign promising 21-year-old Lavia from Chelsea during the summer when the Blues proposed him in a player exchange for Garnacho—who the west London club ultimately acquired for £40 million.
The Red Devils chose not to include Lavia in the deal due to legitimate worries about the Belgium international's fitness history. He has consistently battled various injuries since joining Stamford Bridge and has yet to complete a full 90-minute match for the club.
Lavia, who is presently out with a quadriceps problem, appeared just once for Chelsea in 2023–24 and also missed 34 games due to injury concerns last season. Predictably, United were unwilling to gamble on the gifted but highly injury-susceptible midfielder.
ESPN have indicated that United are unlikely to possess the financial flexibility to sign a costly new midfielder in the January transfer window, though an acquisition is anticipated next summer when resources become available as they continue reducing their salary expenses.
Man Utd Rebuff Christoper Nkunku Proposal
Beyond Lavia being proposed to Chelsea in the Garnacho deal, Nkunku was also included. The French forward was among those the Blues were eager to offload from their oversized roster, particularly following the arrivals of João Pedro and Liam Delap.
However, a transaction involving Nkunku was likewise declined by the Red Devils, with the 28-year-old ultimately transferring to AC Milan. The striker, who also battled fitness problems at Chelsea, has managed only eight appearances for the Serie A club so far, netting just once in the Coppa Italia.
Having acquired Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo during the summer, adding to an attacking unit that already featured Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo, it's understandable that United opted against signing Nkunku.