Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United left Alejandro Garnacho out of their pre-season US tour and first Premier League fixture of the new campaign
- Chelsea remain in active negotiations with United and wish to sign Garnacho for no more than £30m, with United valuing the winger at £50m
- Garnacho has not been included in Lionel Scaloni’s preliminary Argentina squad for the World Cup Qualifiers in September
Transfer Developments and Negotiations
Alejandro Garnacho’s prospects at Manchester United have appeared increasingly uncertain following a series of recent developments. While Chelsea continue to view the 21-year-old winger as a priority acquisition for Enzo Maresca’s squad rebuild, negotiations with United remain in progress this summer. Manchester United have excluded Garnacho from their matchday squad for the final Premier League game of the 2024/25 season and omitted him from their pre-season US tour, with manager Ruben Amorim confirming during a press conference in Atlanta that the Argentina international is free to leave Old Trafford.
Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Reports from The Athletic indicate that Garnacho sits atop Chelsea’s summer wish list as they aim to strengthen their attacking options alongside Jamie Gittens. Chelsea are reported to be “active in talks” with United, intent on acquiring the winger during this window. Though United are seeking a £50m transfer fee, Chelsea remain reluctant to increase their offer beyond £30m. The player himself has expressed a clear preference for the move to Stamford Bridge and appears to have dismissed all other propositions.
| Club | Value Placed On Garnacho | Current Transfer Offer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | £50m | N/A | Open to transfer |
| Chelsea | N/A | £30m | Active talks |
Garnacho’s Recent Playing Time and International Status
Garnacho was left on the bench during the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, despite having started in each of the previous knockout round fixtures. His omission from United’s final Premier League matchday squad and subsequent exclusion from pre-season activities in the United States underscore his uncertain position at Old Trafford.
On the international stage, Lionel Scaloni has not included Garnacho in the preliminary Argentina squad selected for the September World Cup Qualifiers. The winger last represented Argentina in November 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 loss to Paraguay.
United Manager’s Comments on Garnacho’s Future
Earlier in the month, Ruben Amorim addressed the media regarding Garnacho’s situation, describing him as a “talented boy” who “wants a different thing with a different leadership”. Amorim stated: “I think Garnacho, you can understand and you can see, he’s talented, that he’s a really talented boy.
“And sometimes things don’t work out. You cannot explain specifically what it is. But I have the feeling, I think it’s clear that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership. I can understand that.
“So I think it’s not a problem. Sometimes you adapt to one guy; you have the connection. Other times, you want a new challenge. So, we try to make everything okay to all parts. To the club, to the coach and to the [other] players. So, it’s a natural thing in football.”
