Manchester United want to part ways with their rising star Alejandro Garnacho this summer.
The 21-year-old has slipped out of favour under Ruben Amorim and looks destined to leave Old Trafford.
He has already turned down Bayern Munich, making it clear that his dream move is to Chelsea.
United have slapped a £50 million price tag on the Argentine, but Chelsea are only willing to pay half that figure.
Here are three key reasons why United must hold firm and avoid selling Garnacho on the cheap.
#1 Transfer market reality
Anthony Elanga and Noni Madueke completed their transfers to Newcastle United and Arsenal, respectively, each for around £52 million.
Chelsea forked out £60m for Joao Pedro from Brighton and splashed another £50m on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
Garnacho registered more goals and assists than the four aforementioned forwards last season.
United initially slapped a £70m asking price but have already lowered it to £50m.
At just 21, Garnacho is far more accomplished than most of his peers and has the potential to explode into a global superstar.
#2 Low wages, lengthy contract tenure
The Argentine is currently earning a modest £50,000 per week at Old Trafford.
Even if Chelsea doubled his salary, he would still comfortably fit into their wage structure without causing disruption.
With three years left on his current deal, United are under no pressure to sanction a cut-price sale.
Unlike Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, Garnacho will not be a huge burden on United’s wage structure.
Even if frozen out, his salary is minimal enough for United to stash him in the reserves without financial strain.
#3 Payback for the Mason Mount episode
Chelsea offloaded Mason Mount to United in the summer of 2023 for a deal worth up to £60m.
The Stamford Bridge outfit rejected multiple bids from the Red Devils, including a third proposal of £55m.
Now the tables have turned, and INEOS must adopt the same ruthless stance.
With Garnacho determined to join Chelsea, United must ensure the Blues pay the full price.
The young winger is one of the most sellable assets for United. The proceeds from his sale will be accounted as pure profit.
His departure, at the right price, could be the key for United to recruit a solid midfielder this summer.
Bonus – Learnings from Jadon Sancho saga
Chelsea dodged the obligation to buy Sancho permanently, returning him to United for a penalty fee of just £5m.
INEOS must not repeat past mistakes and should immediately reject any loan or cut-price proposals.
If Chelsea refuse to meet United’s valuation, the club should simply demote Garnacho to the development squads.
This deal must serve as a statement of intent from INEOS that they will no longer allow the club to be bullied in transfer negotiations, as has been the case for over a decade.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com