Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester United’s winger Alejandro Garnacho ahead of the January transfer window deadline. The London club is believed to be preparing an ambitious approach for the Argentine talent, with speculation also linking them to another United academy product, Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United are reportedly open to offers for first-team players to align with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. The club has spent over £600 million on transfers in less than three years under Erik ten Hag, pushing them to now focus on balancing their financial books. Homegrown talents like Garnacho and Mainoo are particularly appealing in this scenario as their sales would count as pure profit, helping the club navigate financial regulations.
Reports suggest that United’s management, under Ruben Amorim, may be forced to sanction sales of academy players, though the club has placed a valuation of £70 million each on Garnacho and Mainoo. While Marcus Rashford’s potential departure could yield the largest financial windfall, growing speculation surrounds Garnacho and Mainoo’s futures. However, no club has yet signaled a readiness to meet the hefty price tag United has set for the duo.
Napoli has expressed significant interest in Garnacho, with manager Antonio Conte eyeing the 20-year-old as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is reportedly moving to Paris Saint-Germain for £59 million. Despite this, the Italian side has yet to follow up after their initial proposal for Garnacho was turned down by United. Garnacho is said to be open to the idea of joining Napoli, though no deal has materialized so far.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have now emerged as contenders for Garnacho’s signature, according to L’Equipe. The Stamford Bridge club is expected to be active during the final stretch of the transfer window and is considering player exits to make room for new arrivals. Axel Disasi and Christopher Nkunku are among those who could leave Chelsea, creating opportunities for reinforcements.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly eager to strengthen the team’s attacking options. In addition to Garnacho, the club has initiated talks for Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi. However, it remains unclear whether Garnacho would consider a move to Chelsea, should their pursuit gather momentum.
The coming weeks could determine whether Chelsea’s late interest in Garnacho will challenge Napoli’s position or if United will hold on to the talented winger amid growing interest from multiple clubs.
