Chelsea is accelerating negotiations to sign Garnacho before the new season begins on 15/8. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old winger has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea. His current Man Utd weekly wage of 67,000 USD is not an issue for Chelsea.

Alejandro Garnacho disappointed after the Europa League final against Tottenham at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain, on the evening of 21/5/2025. Photo: *Reuters*

Chelsea's next task is to negotiate a transfer fee with Man Utd. A few months ago, the "Red Devils" valued Garnacho at 70 million GBP (94 million USD). However, British media suggest Chelsea may only have to pay around 50 million GBP (67 million USD). The London club is even looking to lower the price further.

Chelsea has leverage in the negotiations, as Garnacho is considered a potential source of conflict at Man Utd. At the end of last season, manager Ruben Amorim reportedly told the team that Garnacho should seek a new club in the summer of 2025. Garnacho has received offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia, but only wants to join Chelsea.

Last season, Garnacho scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 58 matches, a better record than other forwards like Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford. However, Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, and Mason Mount struggled with injuries, while Rashford and Antony were on loan in the latter half of the season. This gave Garnacho more opportunities to start, only being benched for the Europa League final against Tottenham. He was reportedly dissatisfied with this decision, leading to a disagreement with Amorim.

Having already transferred Rashford to Barca, Man Utd still needs funds to acquire a midfielder and a goalkeeper. Garnacho could bring in the highest transfer fee for the club, and he holds particular book value as an Argentine forward who developed in Man Utd's academy. Antony, Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia also have uncertain futures at the club, but haven't found new teams yet.

Portuguese media report that Benfica wants to loan Antony, but Man Utd hasn't agreed. Sancho has received offers from Germany and Italy but is reluctant to take a pay cut. Malacia hasn't attracted much interest due to a nearly two-year injury layoff.

If the Garnacho transfer goes through, Man Utd could use the funds to purchase midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton. They are expected to pay 100 million GBP (134 million USD) for the 21-year-old Cameroonian.

Hoang An (*Romano, Athletic*)