Chelsea have reached an agreement with Manchester United to sign Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho for £40 million, according to reports. The deal, which includes a 10% sell-on clause, is set to become the club’s fourth most expensive transfer ever, following the exits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, and Angel di Maria. The move underscores Chelsea’s aggressive spending strategy since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover, with the Blues having invested over £500 million on wingers alone in three years—and more than £650 million when including strikers, though significant sales are expected this summer to offset costs.
The transfer comes as Chelsea prepares to offload key forwards, including Christopher Nkunku, who is nearing a £32m move to AC Milan, and Nicolas Jackson, who may be loaned to Bayern Munich with a potential buy option. These sales are critical to meeting UEFA’s financial requirements, which mandate a “positive transfer balance” to qualify for Champions League registration. Nkunku’s exit alone could generate over £263 million, surpassing the Premier League’s record for summer player sales.
Garnacho, who joined United’s academy from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been a focal point of speculation since being sidelined by manager Ruben Amorim last season. Despite his 144 senior appearances and 27 career goals, including double figures in each of the past two campaigns, his efficiency in front of goal has drawn criticism. In the 2024-25 Premier League season, Garnacho took 84 shots, converting just 7.1% of them—a rate among the league’s worst for forwards with over 50 attempts. He also squandered 16 key chances, scoring only twice, a stat only eclipsed by Southampton’s Cameron Archer.
Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho intensified after his agents were spotted at Stamford Bridge in January. Manager Enzo Maresca had initially prioritized a central defender and a left-winger, but the club opted for an attacker instead, aligning with Garnacho’s reputation as a dynamic, high-pressing threat. His departure from United followed a contentious Europa League final in May, where he was left out of the starting lineup despite being fit, and a subsequent exclusion from the club’s pre-season tour. Amorim acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “Sometimes things don’t work out,” while Garnacho aims to prove his worth in a competitive Chelsea attack.
The transaction also plays a pivotal role in helping Chelsea comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). United, meanwhile, has already spent £200m on new forwards, including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, as they continue reshaping their squad. Garnacho’s move signals a major shift in the transfer landscape, with both clubs navigating complex financial and tactical challenges as the summer window progresses.
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