The transfer saga involving Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Manchester United is proving to be one of the most complex dramas of the summer, as Chelsea look to secure a deal for the Argentine
13:23, 25 Aug 2025
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim (R) shakes hands with Manchester United's Argentinian midfielder #17 Alejandro Garnacho (L) as he leaves the game, substituted during the UEFA Europa league quarter-final final, second leg football match between Manchester United and Lyon at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 17, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim told Alejandro Garnacho last season to find a new club(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
As the summer transfer window races towards its September 1st deadline, the next few days could be crucial for Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Manchester United.
Both wingers are currently embroiled in a complex web of negotiations, valuations and rival club tactics, with Chelsea playing a key role in how the situation develops.
The plot thickened when United turned down an audacious offer from Chelsea: a swap deal involving Garnacho and 19-year-old winger Tyrique George. For Garnacho, who has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim, the move would have provided a new beginning at Stamford Bridge.
For Chelsea, it would have brought in a dynamic young attacker they've been eyeing for months, and bolstered their thin left wing. However, United's refusal has put the brakes on proceedings and left all parties reassessing their options with little time to spare.
Garnacho's uncertain future
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to leave Man United this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Once touted as the next star of United's attack, Garnacho has become disenchanted under Amorim, who has shown little inclination to reselect the 21-year-old since their relationship soured. Despite this, United are reluctant to let him go cheaply, reports the Manchester Evening News.
They initially priced him at around £70m, while Chelsea have been pushing for a significantly lower fee closer to £30m, arguing that his strained relationship with Amorim justifies a discount.
United's stance is straightforward: if Chelsea were willing to shell out £52m for Jamie Gittens earlier this summer, then Garnacho - who has more Premier League experience - should command at least a similar price tag.
This disagreement has stalled negotiations, with Chelsea reluctant to commit funds until they finalise several key departures. While Garnacho has other suitors, he is prioritising a move to Chelsea.
The domino effect at Chelsea
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson looks down on the pitch
Nicolas Jackson has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
For the Blues, their pursuit of Garnacho is just one aspect of a wider overhaul. Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and Tyrique George are all expected to leave before the transfer deadline, but their exits are still in progress.
Chelsea's ability to generate funds and free up squad space could ultimately determine whether Garnacho or RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons - another target who has already agreed personal terms - make their way to West London.
Nkunku's situation is perhaps the most complex. Injuries have hampered him since his arrival at Chelsea, but his technical prowess continues to draw attention. Bayern Munich are interested, though they favour a loan deal, while Chelsea are adamant about a permanent sale.
Aston Villa have also joined the fray, with manager Unai Emery eager to diversify his attacking options. A return to RB Leipzig is also a possibility, with Chelsea reportedly offering the Bundesliga club the chance to re-sign their former star as part of their efforts to secure Simons.
Jackson's future at Chelsea is also up in the air. Despite netting 10 Premier League goals last season, the Senegalese forward has been benched in Chelsea's recent matches, falling behind new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Both Aston Villa and Newcastle are reportedly interested in Jackson, who is keen on a reunion with Emery, his former coach at Villarreal. However, Chelsea's £70m price tag is proving to be a hurdle, with potential buyers hoping for a reduction as the transfer deadline looms.
Youngster George, tipped for a bright future at Stamford Bridge, may find himself pushed out earlier than anticipated. With Pedro, Gittens, Estevao and possibly Garnacho or Simons joining the squad, chances for the teenager are becoming scarce.
Initially, Chelsea planned to loan out George, but now he's considering a permanent move. Roma have emerged as the leading contenders, targeting him as their top winger after missing out on Sancho.
Sancho's quest for a new club
Jadon Sancho during the 2024 Community Shield
Jadon Sancho last played for Manchester in the 2024 Community Shield(Image: Getty Images)
For Sancho, this transfer window has been filled with disappointments and setbacks. United had reportedly struck a deal with Roma earlier in the summer, but the England international turned down the Serie A side's offer.
This decision seems to have backfired. With Roma now focusing on George, Sancho is left searching for other options, while United are keen to part ways with a player who spent last season on loan at Chelsea but didn't quite impress.
Roma have not ruled out reigniting their interest in Sancho, but their focus on George suggests that United's hopes of moving him on are fading. Unless another suitor emerges late in the window, Sancho could be left stuck in limbo, his career once again stalled at Old Trafford.
The bigger picture
Reece James of Chelsea controls the ball under pressure from Alejandro Garnacho
Business is still expected to be conducted between Manchester United and Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea's ambitions extend well beyond Garnacho and Simons, but the success of their plans hinges on moving players out. If deals for Nkunku, Jackson and George materialise, the Blues will have the funds and squad flexibility to push aggressively.
If not, Garnacho may have to stay put - at least until January. It may even force Chelsea into a situation where they have to pick between Simons and Garnacho.
For United, the situation is just as delicate. Garnacho remains a valuable saleable asset, capable of generating the kind of fee that could be reinvested before the deadline.
But their refusal to accept Chelsea's opening gambit has slowed progress, leaving them in danger of being left with two unhappy wingers and no financial boost.
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As the clock ticks down, the futures of Garnacho, Sancho and several Chelsea attackers remain intertwined. The resolution of Chelsea's outgoing business may ultimately dictate whether United can cash in - and whether two of their most unsettled players finally find fresh starts elsewhere.
What happens in the next few days could reshape squads at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge alike, and ripple across the European market.