Chelsea have now received a formal valuation from Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho, with the Red Devils quoting a fee in the region of £50 million, down from the £60m+ they were demanding in January.
The two clubs are now in active negotiations as Chelsea look to capitalise on Garnacho’s reduced status under new United boss Rúben Amorim.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Garnacho has been pushing for the move since the turn of the year, having fallen out of favour following Amorim’s appointment.
His situation has remained unresolved for months, but with Benjamin Šeško expected to join Manchester United from RB Leipzig, Garnacho’s path to first-team football is set to narrow even further, adding urgency to his likely departure.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that formal talks between the two clubs are now underway and progressing.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 7, 2025
Garnacho, who turns 21 this month, has reportedly made it clear he only wants Chelsea, and is waiting for the green light as he expects the move to go through.
Chelsea, who are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign, see Garnacho as a marquee long-term signing.
His flair, speed and directness are seen as a perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s evolving tactical setup. The club hopes to negotiate the fee lower than the current £50m asking price, but are encouraged by the player’s clear desire to make the switch.
Chelsea’s summer clear-out has reached a staggering £204.5 million in confirmed sales and could rise to an astonishing £230 million if all add-ons are triggered.
The aggressive trimming of the squad marks a strategic shift as the Blues reshape ahead of the 2025/26 season.
So far, about ten players have been sold, headlined by Noni Madueke’s £48 million move with an additional £4 million in potential add-ons. João Félix followed with a £26 million guaranteed fee plus £17.5 million in add-ons.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was sold for £25 million with a further £4 million possible in incentives. Other key exits include Lesley Ugochukwu and Djordje Petrović, both for £25 million each, Armando Broja for £20 million, Mathis Amougou and Bashir Humphreys for £12 million apiece, Ishe Samuels-Smith for £6.5 million, and Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5 million.
Yet, Chelsea’s business is far from over. Several more high-profile exits are expected before the window closes. Nicolas Jackson, valued at £80 million, is attracting interest from Newcastle United and is considered likely to depart as part of the ongoing striker reshuffle.
Chelsea have slapped the £80 million price tag on the Senegalese forward, with initial talks already underway, according to reports. Jackson joined from Villarreal two seasons ago and finished the last campaign strongly — further driving his market value.
Jackson is not alone. Raheem Sterling is already training away from the senior squad and has been spotted working with junior teams as he prepares for a move. The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, and Benoît Badiashile also face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge.
Amidst the transfer activity, Chelsea’s first team officially returned to training on Monday.
On Wednesday, the squad was honored at Stamford Bridge with a trophy presentation celebrating a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, featuring five major titles: the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup for the men’s team, and a historic domestic treble for the women.
The Blues will now switch focus to their only two pre-season friendlies, taking on Bayer Leverkusen on Friday and AC Milan on Sunday.
These fixtures will serve as crucial tests before the curtain rises on the 2025/26 Premier League season, which begins with an opening clash against Crystal Palace on August 17th at Stamford Bridge.
