Chelsea Activate Talk For Alejandro Garnacho Transfer With Manchester United—-Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over a possible move for Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The clubs have been in touch over Garnacho for some time but talks have now advanced, and Garnacho expects to move to Stamford Bridge as he has make it clear he wants to stay in England and giving his full priority to Chelsea.

The Athletic reported in June that Garnacho was one of five United players permitted to return to pre-season training late after reporting in May that United head coach Ruben Amorim had told the 21-year-old, in front of his team-mates, to find a new club.

Chelsea’s increased interest in Garnacho comes after United agreed a deal in principle with RB Leipzig for the transfer of striker Benjamin Sesko. The Athletic reported on Thursday that a deal worth €76.5million (£66.4m; $89.1m) and €8.5m in add-ons is in place between the clubs, with Sesko given permission to travel for medical tests ahead of the proposed move.

Chelsea have held a long-standing interest in Garnacho and he would be the second United winger in as many campaigns to join Chelsea after Jadon Sancho moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last season. He would also be the ninth of the London club’s summer signings, including wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao, after winning the Club World Cup and Conference League last season.

A price of £70million has previously been communicated to suitors.

Amorim and Garnacho have had a turbulent relationship at times. The ‘new club’ comment followed United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, where the Argentina international was introduced as a 71st-minute substitute.

After the final, Garnacho said he would “see what happens” following a summer break and expressed his frustrations at not playing a greater role in the final.

“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know,” he said.

he Athletic reported in January that United would reluctantly consider selling Garnacho in the winter transfer window, alongside fellow homegrown talent Kobbie Mainoo, as to help them comply with the Premier League’s financial rules.

United rejected an approach from Napoli that month and while he stayed at Old Trafford, his reaction to being substituted off against Ipswich Town the following month prompted Amorim to reveal the forward had to pay for a team dinner by means of an apology.

He made 58 appearances in all competitions and provided 11 goals and 10 assists, but this was amid long-term absences for Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and Amad, while Marcus Rashford and Antony both left United on loan deals in the January transfer window without replacements.

Garnacho joined United’s academy from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and has made 144 senior appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals.