Chelsea have moved closer to securing one of the summer’s most high-profile transfers after Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho agreed personal terms with the club, according to sources familiar with the deal.
The 21-year-old, regarded as one of Manchester United’s brightest prospects, is understood to have made Stamford Bridge his sole destination of choice – a position he has maintained since July. Formal negotiations over a transfer fee between the two clubs are expected to begin shortly.
Garnacho’s likely arrival comes as Chelsea press ahead with plans to overhaul their attack under new manager Enzo Maresca. The west London side are also pursuing Dutch international Xavi Simons, part of an aggressive push to assemble a youthful, high-tempo forward line for the 2025/26 season.
The move follows a period of growing tension between Garnacho and United manager Rúben Amorim, dating back to the club’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May. Amorim was reported to have told the winger to “find somewhere else to play” in the immediate aftermath of the loss — a remark that appears to have widened the gulf between the pair.
Although Garnacho joined United’s post-season tour of Asia, he was seen as withdrawn, and his absence from the club’s recent pre-season trip to the United States has heightened speculation over his future.
Speaking during the team’s stop in Chicago, Amorim struck a resigned tone:
“You can see he is talented – he’s a really talented boy. But sometimes things don’t work out,” he said. “You cannot always explain why, but I have the feeling it’s clear Garnacho wants something different, with different leadership.”
He added: “Sometimes you adapt well to a coach and build a connection, other times a new challenge is what a player is looking for. It’s natural in football.”
