Today, the energy around Garnacho’s future is buzzing and Chelsea look like they’ve got the edge. Bookmakers have even installed them as favourites, with odds showing them ahead of Napoli and Tottenham. That feels fitting Chelsea’s showing real interest, even if they haven’t officially bid yet.
Napoli have made moves before, but Bristol insiders say talks quieted down, then started again at around €50–55 million still shy of United’s £50–60 million asking price. Now Chelsea appear ready to jump in, and there’s even murmurs of a swap involving Christopher Nkunku fits given United’s need for firepower in their rebuild.
It isn’t all smooth sailing, though. Both Napoli and Chelsea have done ‘character checks’ worries around Garnacho’s attitude and that off-the-cuff Instagram post wearing Aston Villa’s shirt didn’t go unnoticed . Still, Garnacho apparently prefers England, giving Chelsea the home advantage.
Interestingly, Maresca at Chelsea has suggested their current left side Pedro, Noni, Sancho, plus Tyrique George might already have enough depth. That could be tactical smoke and mirrors, or a sign they’re ready to make room for Garnacho and a swap like Nkunku makes that plausible.
Since Garnacho questioned Ruben Amorim's choice to bench him for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, his future at Manchester United has been in doubt. Although he only came off the bench in the 71st minute of the highlight event in Bilbao, the forward had been instrumental in United's run to the final.
According to reports, Amorim has since urged the Argentina international to find a new club and dropped Garnacho from his first-team roster.
In the latter part of the season, Garnacho played as a stand-in No. 10, although United has replaced him with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha. United would be able to give Amorim a larger budget to spend if they sold the 20-year-old, greatly boosting their financial status.
Garnacho's primary pursuers are still Chelsea and Napoli, who both reached out to him in January. Laurie Whitwell, a United expert for The Athletic, has now verified rumors that Chelsea is negotiating to sign Garnacho, citing "discussions" between the two teams regarding two players.
Chelsea is still aware of Garnacho's circumstances and may make a move with a bid when they think the moment is appropriate.
Despite his ties to United, the winger is interested in joining Chelsea and is drawn to the idea of relocating to London. Given that Chelsea can pay United more for Garnacho than Napoli can, they seem to be in the greatest position to sign him.
Garnacho may not join yet, although Enzo Maresca's team has already reached agreements in recent days for Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.
Chelsea sees Gittens as a successor for Jadon Sancho at left flank, and Pedro as a replacement for Christopher Nkunku in the versatile forward position.
However, Chelsea is looking to add another left winger and is considering making an official approach for Garnacho because Mykhailo Mudryk's future is still uncertain. They consider it a fantastic market chance to sign Garnacho from United and believe he has elite potential.
Inside United, there's a firm stance: he won’t leave unless the price meets the valuation . And Amorim? He's been cool. Garnacho reportedly returned to training, but isn’t in serious contention unless he earns it with attitude and performances.
So here’s how it stands right now:
Chelsea are front-runners, their interest legit, but they’re taking their time. Napoli remain an outside shot, but United are holding firm. Garnacho himself seems open to the move and the clock's ticking.
If Chelsea do bid, United are likely to engage provided any outgoing deal brings in value, whether that’s Nkunku or fee-plus swap. And with the Blues aiming to remain fresh and tricky under Maresca, this could come together sooner than fans expect.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s interest still smolders. And Tottenham quietly ask questions though selling to a rival is a big leap. Amid all this, United’s rebuild is quietly shifting shape and Garnacho looks like it might be one of the first pieces to move.
Still, there’s an underlying twist to this saga that hasn’t gone unnoticed. United, while open to parting ways with Garnacho under the right terms, are also quietly weighing whether letting go of a homegrown star one with a massive social media following and still just 20 could backfire in the long run. Some inside Carrington believe he just needs better mentoring, not a move.
And then there’s Garnacho himself. While the idea of Chelsea excites him, those close to the player say he's not rushing a decision. He wants regular minutes, Champions League football eventually, and a clear developmental pathway.
Chelsea can tick a couple of those boxes but questions remain over whether Maresca can guarantee him starts ahead of Noni Madueke, Pedro, and Mudryk, if he stays.
Behind the scenes, United and Chelsea have reportedly kept communication open. Nothing is advanced, but groundwork is being laid. United like Nkunku.
Chelsea like Garnacho. And agents are circling, knowing that this could be one of the more dramatic deals of the summer window if both clubs decide to roll the dice.
Whatever happens next, it’s a defining moment in Garnacho’s career and for both clubs. United risk selling a future star to a rival. Chelsea risk betting big on potential. But if either side blinks at the wrong time, it could shape their seasons more than any marquee signing. The game behind the game is very much on.