Manchester United have placed a £50 million price tag on Alejandro Garnacho as the winger edges closer to an Old Trafford exit. Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners for the 21-year-old Argentina international's signature.
The west London club believe Garnacho favours a move to Stamford Bridge over other potential suitors, including interested parties from Italy.
United have made it clear that only a cash offer will be considered, rejecting any potential player-exchange proposals.
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Alejandro Garnacho has told United he only wants to join Chelsea
|PA
The valuation mirrors Arsenal's recent £50 million acquisition of Noni Madueke from Chelsea, which United view as the benchmark for negotiations.
Chelsea, however, consider the asking price excessive given the player's current situation at Old Trafford.
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Garnacho's relationship with manager Ruben Amorim has broken down significantly since the Portuguese coach took charge in November.
The situation reached a critical point when the winger was benched for May's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, prompting both Alejandro and his brother Roberto to voice their displeasure on social media.
Following the Bilbao loss, Amorim informed Garnacho he could depart the club.
The forward has subsequently been excluded from first-team training sessions during pre-season preparations.
The Argentine was notably absent from United's pre-season tour to America, where Amorim addressed the situation publicly.
United have significantly strengthened their attacking options this summer, securing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha whilst completing a deal for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The club's spending has exceeded £200 million in this window alone.
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho fell out, leading to the club telling the player he was no longer needed
| REUTERSAmorim offered insight into Garnacho's situation during the American tour, stating: "You can see he's a really talented boy. Sometimes things don't work out. You cannot explain specifically what it is, but it's clear that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership. I can understand that. It's not a problem."
He added: "Sometimes (as a player) you adapt to one guy, you have the connection. Other times, you want a new challenge."
Chelsea have maintained their interest in Garnacho since January and have completed comprehensive background assessments on the player.
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Chelsea have been interested in Alejandro Garnacho since January
| PAThe Blues previously proposed player swaps involving Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku, but United insist on a straightforward cash transaction.
Garnacho arrived at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and played a pivotal role in the club's 2022 FA Youth Cup triumph. He later netted in the 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
The winger has registered 26 goals across 144 senior appearances for United. With a World Cup approaching, the Argentine is unlikely to remain at a club where his playing opportunities appear severely limited.