Chelsea and United Step Up Talks for Garnacho
Manchester United and Chelsea have entered advanced discussions regarding the future of Alejandro Garnacho, with both clubs accelerating negotiations to finalise a transfer. Reports from David Ornstein indicate that talks have intensified as the winger pushes to secure his preferred move. For Garnacho, the situation appears straightforward: he will either remain at Old Trafford or join Chelsea, having dismissed interest from other European clubs. Reintegration into Ruben Amorim’s squad remains a fallback option if a deal collapses, though it would require repairing strained relations with the manager.
Signs increasingly point towards a switch to Stamford Bridge, keeping the Argentine international in England, where he has spent the past five years developing since arriving from Atlético Madrid’s youth system in 2020. After making his senior debut under Ralf Rangnick in 2022, the 21-year-old became a key figure under Erik ten Hag and later Amorim. United have reportedly set a £70 million valuation, reflecting his record of 144 senior appearances, 26 goals, 22 assists, and trophies including the FA Cup, League Cup, and Copa América with Argentina. Chelsea, bolstered by £85m from their Club World Cup triumph and recent player sales, are well-placed to meet the asking price.
United Agree Loan Move for Højlund to AC Milan
Manchester United have also reached an agreement with AC Milan over Rasmus Højlund, with the Italian giants now leading the race to secure his signature. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the striker is set to depart on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. United’s attacking rebuild has seen the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and an €85m deal for Benjamin Šeško nearing completion. To balance the squad and finances, several players must leave, with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia already outside Amorim’s plans. Despite featuring in pre-season, Højlund looks likely to be the first departure.
The 22-year-old endured a disappointing Premier League campaign, registering just four goals, and has 14 goals and three assists across 62 league appearances since joining from Atalanta. With Šeško poised to take his place, Højlund risks becoming surplus to requirements, particularly without European competition at United.
Interest in the Dane has been widespread in Serie A, with Inter, Roma, Napoli, and Juventus all linked, but Milan have acted decisively. The Rossoneri are now tasked with persuading Højlund himself, as he recently stated he would prefer to stay and fight for a place at Old Trafford. If convinced, he would compete mainly with Santiago Giménez, with Milan having parted ways with Tammy Abraham and Luka Jović this summer.
