Manchester United Tell Chelsea: Alejandro Garnacho Will Cost £50m

Manchester United have informed Chelsea that they must meet a £50 million valuation if they wish to sign Alejandro Garnacho this summer.

Chelsea remain confident that the Spanish-born Argentina international, currently frozen out by manager Rúben Amorim, is committed to joining the west London club and will reject advances from other interested parties, including clubs in Italy. The 21-year-old is considered United’s most valuable saleable asset among the players deemed surplus to requirements under the current regime.

United’s summer spending has now surpassed £200 million following the confirmed signing of Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. Šeško joins Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in a reshaped attacking line-up under Amorim.

Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho stretches back over two transfer windows. As previously reported by Telegraph Sport, the Blues have completed all due diligence on the out-of-favour winger and are keen to finalise a deal.

In prior negotiations, Chelsea explored the possibility of a player-plus-cash exchange, potentially involving either Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku. However, United have made it clear that only a straight cash offer will be considered. The £50 million fee paid by Arsenal to Chelsea for England international Noni Madueke, aged 23, is said to be the benchmark for any Garnacho transfer.

With the season culminating in a World Cup, United do not expect Garnacho to remain at a club where he has minimal chances of regular first-team football. Chelsea, however, believe the £50 million valuation is inflated, especially in light of Garnacho’s deteriorating relationship with Amorim, which reportedly collapsed following his exclusion from the Europa League final squad in May.

As a contingency, Chelsea have also identified Dutch star Xavi Simons as a potential alternative target.

Manchester United, under financial pressure to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, are actively seeking to offload fringe players for cash. Unlike United, Chelsea have been highly effective in generating significant transfer income through the sales of Madueke, João Félix, Djordje Petrović and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, raising an estimated £175 million.

Among Chelsea’s outgoing players, striker Nicolas Jackson is now considered their most profitable asset this window. He has emerged as Newcastle United’s primary target following Šeško’s move to Old Trafford. Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring Jackson’s situation, particularly in the event of Richarlison’s departure. Additional Premier League interest has surfaced, alongside interest from AC Milan and Juventus.

Meanwhile, Brentford are understood to be seeking between £50 million and £55 million for forward Yoane Wissa. The 28-year-old has one year left on his contract, with the option of a further year. Jackson, 24, signed a long-term deal in September, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033. Chelsea believe Jackson’s value exceeds £60 million, referencing recent striker deals for Šeško, Mbeumo, and Viktor Gyökeres as benchmarks.