Chelsea Have ‘Held Talks’ to Sign £55m Man United Star – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Considering Move to Sign Man United Forward in Bold Bid as Nkunku Talks Continue

Chelsea are making moves behind the scenes that could reshape their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho emerging as a top target. As reported by The Athletic, negotiations between the two Premier League giants are well underway, and Chelsea’s intent appears serious. The Blues are weighing up a deal that would not only bring Garnacho to Stamford Bridge but may also see Christopher Nkunku go the other way.

Garnacho’s Exit Gathers Pace

Alejandro Garnacho’s fallout with Ruben Amorim appears to be the key factor pushing the Argentina international towards the Old Trafford exit door. After being benched for the Europa League final, despite playing a vital role in getting United there, the 20-year-old winger reportedly questioned the manager’s decision. Since then, reports have suggested that Amorim has removed him from the first-team setup altogether.

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“Chelsea remain well informed on Garnacho’s situation and could swoop in with an offer once they feel the time is right,” The Athletic confirms. It’s understood that Garnacho is open to the move and is “enticed by the prospect of moving to London,” despite the historic rivalry between the two clubs.

Strategic Fit in Maresca’s Plan

With Enzo Maresca already finalising deals for Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, the addition of Garnacho would add yet another exciting layer to Chelsea’s attacking options. While Gittens is tipped to fill in for the departing Jadon Sancho and Pedro is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Nkunku, Garnacho would provide vital depth on the left wing — especially with uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk’s future.

Chelsea’s interest is being described as part of a “great market opportunity to snare him from United” with a potential £55-60 million bid under consideration. United’s willingness to sell, mainly for financial reasons, could pave the way for a swift deal. The move would boost Amorim’s summer budget while allowing Chelsea to inject youthful dynamism into their frontline.

Nkunku in Demand

Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku is at the centre of parallel talks between the two clubs. “United are long-term admirers of Nkunku,” according to The Athletic, and with his struggles at Stamford Bridge well documented, a move away is likely. The Frenchman has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus, while Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly been ‘offered’ the player as well.

Chelsea are thought to be seeking around £35 million for Nkunku, potentially setting the stage for a part-exchange deal involving Garnacho.

Maresca, however, wants “assurances that Garnacho’s personality will fit into the Chelsea squad dynamic before any bid is launched.” Such detail suggests Chelsea are taking a long-term view with their targets, prioritising chemistry and mentality alongside talent.

Market Value and Negotiation Leverage

Chelsea appear to have the upper hand financially, and their willingness to spend more than Napoli on Garnacho could prove decisive. If the Blues act quickly, they may secure a rising star at a discount, with reports indicating that United are softening on their original valuation in a bid to offload the player.

Should this double move materialise, it could be one of the more dramatic pieces of summer business. Garnacho’s flair and Nkunku’s unfinished Premier League story offer intrigue, drama and potentially significant upside for both clubs.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this is the kind of aggressive, forward-thinking market activity that fans have been craving. Alejandro Garnacho might be a United product, but if there’s one thing Chelsea fans respect, it’s talent. And Garnacho has bags of it. That run to the Europa League final showed he’s got big-game mentality, and being benched for the final could turn out to be our gain.

“He’s the type of winger who gives defenders nightmares,” a fan might say. “If Maresca can get him ticking, we’re looking at a star in blue for the next five years.” The £55-60m fee might raise eyebrows, but in this market and at 20 years old, Garnacho is a gamble worth taking.

As for Nkunku, things haven’t clicked, and it’s probably best for both parties if he moves on. If we can swing a smart deal — cash or swap — and bring in someone who wants to prove himself, this could go down as one of the deals of the summer.