Chelsea have reached an agreement with Manchester United to sign winger Alejandro Garnacho in a deal worth £40million, with a 10 per cent sell-on clause also included.
The 21-year-old is expected to undergo a medical on Friday before signing a long-term contract until 2032. Once completed, he will become Chelsea’s ninth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jamie Gittens and Estevão, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato and others.
Talks between the two clubs accelerated earlier this month, with Garnacho making it clear that his only preference was either to remain at Old Trafford or move to Stamford Bridge.
United head coach Ruben Amorim had already told the Argentine he was free to find a new club after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Garnacho made 58 appearances across all competitions last season, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists despite a turbulent campaign at United that included disputes with Amorim and disciplinary issues, such as being asked to fund a team dinner after a controversial reaction to a substitution.
A graduate of Atletico Madrid’s academy, Garnacho joined United in 2020 and has since made 144 senior appearances, scoring 26 goals.
Chelsea’s capture of the Argentine marks the second consecutive summer they have signed a winger from United, after Jadon Sancho arrived on loan last year.
The move continues Chelsea’s aggressive transfer strategy following last season’s Club World Cup and Conference League triumphs, as Enzo Maresca’s squad undergoes significant reshaping ahead of their Champions League return.
Garnacho’s deal comes after the club earlier today agreed a move with AC Milan to sell Christopher Nkunku following two years at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will now hope to ward off competition from Tottenham to secure Xavi Simons, while also working to find permanent or temporary exits for Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.
