Manchester United has told Alejandro Garnacho that Chelsea must meet their £50 million valuation if he is to leave Old Trafford to join the west London club.
Chelsea are confident that the Spain-born Argentina international forward – previously frozen out by Rubén Amorim – only wants to join them and will reject all other suitors, including Italian clubs. Among the players told they are no longer part of the manager’s plans, the 21-year-old is United’s biggest saleable asset.
Chelsea have shown interest in Garnacho for two transfer windows in a row. The Daily Telegraph reported last week that the club has completed all background checks on the out-of-favour forward and hopes to finalize the deal as soon as possible.
Previously, Chelsea had proposed a player swap for Garnacho, potentially involving Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku, but United informed them that a cash deal is the only option.
Arsenal’s £50 million payment for 23-year-old England international Noni Madueke is seen as a benchmark for Garnacho’s deal.
Chelsea values the player at less than £50 million, especially considering that Garnacho’s relationship with Amorim deteriorated rapidly after the new manager took charge in November. He was left out of the squad for the Europa League final in May, which contributed to the deterioration of their relationship.
Chelsea has also considered Xavi Simons as an alternative.
