TBR Football understands that Manchester United have informed Alejandro Garnacho that he can ‘officially’ talk to Chelsea as a deal edges closer.
Chelsea have been locked in talks with Man United this week, but the deal is now close to completion as of Thursday.
The Garnacho move has moved closer, as Chelsea agreed to deals that will see Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson leave Stamford Bridge.
TBR Football can reveal that Chelsea have agreed terms with AC Milan worth just over £30 million for Nkunku – who has agreed terms on a five-year deal and is now due in Italy for a medical.
Chelsea are now close to finalising terms with Bayern Munich over a season-long loan for Jackson. Bayern have agreed to pay his wages in full, but the two clubs are now deciding whether the deal will include an option or an obligation.
Nicolas Jackson after being shown a red card vs Flamengo
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea needed to make room to bring in Garnacho, and they have done just that. The deal with United will be overall worth close to £40 million, which includes add-ons. The initial deal is expected to be around £30 million.
Exclusive: Chelsea plan to unveil Alejandro Garnacho at Stamford Bridge
According to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, the Blues hope to unveil Garnacho at Stamford Bridge prior to the clash against Fulham on Saturday.
“I am told that Chelsea hope to have Garnacho at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and to be able to present him before their local derby clash with Fulham.
“Garnacho is now very much when and not if. Garnacho has been told he is heading to West London and is delighted to get this done.
“I would say that Garnacho does have some sadness about how things have turned out at United, but he is fully focused on Chelsea – he thinks he can replicate the likes of Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo and really fulfill his potential at Stamford Bridge.
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
“And that was part of the sell to him – Chelsea believe this is a great deal for them.”
Chelsea have been interested in signing Garnacho since January, and although the 21-year-old is disappointed in how things panned out at Old Trafford, he is finally closing in on his exit.
Indeed, Amorim informed Garnacho that he could leave United in May, and the club have spent the entire summer trying to broker his exit.
Xavi Simons could join the Argentine at Stamford Bridge before the 1 September deadline, as TBR Football understands both Simons and Garnacho have agreed terms with Chelsea.
Chelsea are exploring a deal for Fermin Lopez
Sources have informed TBR Football that Chelsea are monitoring Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez as he explores his options in the final days of the transfer window.
While no formal contact has been made with Barcelona, nor has the player expressed a desire to leave, the Blues are exploring alternative options, as the club have yet to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig for Simons.
Enzo Maresca is eager to add two more attackers to his squad before the end of the summer, despite Chelsea already sanctioning big-money transfer fees on the likes of Joao Pedro and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Nevertheless, the Blues will be relieved to have finally agreed a deal to sign one of their reported targets and could very well now turn their attention to Simons or Lopez.