Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to sell Alejandro Garnacho to fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Manchester United are uninterested in selling Alejandro Garnacho to a Premier League rival amid growing interest from Chelsea and Napoli. Football Insider have revealed that United are open to parting ways with the 20-year-old winger but prefer an overseas move, potentially to Serie A side Napoli, rather than strengthening a domestic competitor.
The decision is influenced by United’s need to navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). As an academy product, Garnacho’s transfer would represent pure profit, making him a valuable asset in balancing the club’s financial books. United have set a price tag of over £50 million for the Argentine international, who has made 32 appearances this season, contributing eight goals and five assists.
Napoli’s interest in Garnacho has intensified following the sale of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. The Serie A champions are seeking a replacement for the Georgian winger and view Garnacho as an ideal candidate to fill the void. Manchester United are reportedly open to negotiations with Napoli, preferring to avoid bolstering Premier League rivals like Chelsea.
Despite his long-term contract, which runs until June 2028, Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford has been cast into doubt due to limited opportunities under new manager Ruben Amorim. A disciplinary issue saw him excluded from the squad against Manchester City in December, further fueling speculation about his potential departure.
Chelsea’s Hopes Dented
Chelsea’s pursuit of Garnacho appears increasingly unlikely, with Manchester United determined to sell him abroad. The Blues had identified the winger as a prime target to strengthen their attacking options, but United’s stance deals a significant blow to their plans. Garnacho’s potential move to Napoli underscores Manchester United’s strategy of prioritising non-Premier League destinations for high-value exits.
The Argentine internatioanl has already amassed 118 senior appearances for Manchester United, scoring 23 goals and assisting 14. He has also earned eight caps for Argentina since making his international debut in June 2023.
A Pragmatic but Risky Move for Manchester United
While selling Garnacho could help Manchester United address their financial concerns, the decision to part ways with such a promising talent comes with risks. Garnacho’s performances this season demonstrate his potential to become a key player in the future, and letting him leave could weaken United’s long-term prospects.
Napoli, on the other hand, stand to gain significantly if they can secure Garnacho’s signature. His pace, creativity, and direct style of play make him a perfect fit for the Serie A champions. For Chelsea, missing out on Garnacho represents a missed opportunity to acquire a young, dynamic winger who could have bolstered their attack for years to come.
