Chelsea have offered a bold swap proposition to Manchester United, proposing the exchange of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in order to acquire Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho, in what would be a creative move to bring the winger to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues rekindled their interest in Garnacho this summer after failing to land him in the January window. Manchester United are reportedly open to offers for the 21-year-old and have placed him on the market following reported tensions between Garnacho and manager Rúben Amorim, who allegedly told the winger he could leave at the end of the season.
This came after Garnacho publicly criticised Amorim following United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham. United are said to be seeking around £50 million for the transfer, although Garnacho himself has a preference to remain in the Premier League, with interest from Chelsea emerging strongly.
Chelsea feels a swap would meet United’s valuation needs while reducing cash outlay. Nkunku who has struggled since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig and Jackson, who is now surplus to requirements after arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, are considered viable transfer pieces.
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Reports suggest United have shown interest in both players, viewing them as potential reinforcements for Amorim’s side as they pursue attackers like Benjamin Šeško or Ollie Watkins.
Despite speculation, no formal offer or contact has yet been confirmed between the clubs. Fabrizio Romano noted that no United-to-Chelsea contact or personal agreement is in place, and negotiations remain at an exploratory stage.
Sources also indicate that United have ruled out a deal involving only Jackson, as they deem him overpriced valued at an estimated £80 million by Chelsea, far more than United would realistically pay.
Managerial perspectives are also mixed: Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has downplayed urgency in signing a new winger, stating, “I’m happy with the wingers we have” and expressing no immediate desire to lose key attackers like Joao Felix or Nkunku.
Nonetheless, Chelsea remain in discussions for a potential loan-to-buy deal for Garnacho. This mirrors their acquisition approach with Jadon Sancho, and reflects Garnacho’s interest in a move while maintaining Premier League status. However, United are said to favour a permanent transfer given Past loan experiences with Chelsea.
From United’s side, Garnacho’s fall from being one of their brightest prospects to a squad player who has shown inconsistency combined with their financial constraints under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) makes his sale attractive. As a homegrown talent, any transfer proceeds would count as ‘pure profit,’ helping balance the books under PSR restrictions.
If executed, the deal could offer mutual benefit: Chelsea would gain an exciting attacking option, while United receive two ready-made players and financial leverage to pursue other targets like Šeško or Watkins. However, large valuation gaps and minimal direct negotiations suggest a resolution remains far from certain.