Garnacho and Nkunku moves under review as Man United and Chelsea reshape their squads

Manchester United and Chelsea line up complementary transfer plans

Manchester United and Chelsea are heading into the summer transfer window with strikingly linked transfer objectives. According to behind-the-scenes discussions, Alejandro Garnacho’s potential move to Stamford Bridge and Christopher Nkunku’s path to Old Trafford feature in both clubs’ plans in a parallel manner. This potential movement first began to take shape in January.

According to The Telegraph, the clubs intend to handle this process not as a direct swap deal but as two separate transfers. In other words, independent contracts will be drawn up for Garnacho and Nkunku, but the two cases will be approached as mutually influential.

Garnacho reaching breaking point: tensions with Amorim

Alejandro Garnacho’s future at United has become increasingly debated in recent weeks. Disagreements with manager Ruben Amorim and being left on the bench for key matches have heightened the player’s dissatisfaction. Particularly, playing only 19 minutes in the European final against Tottenham was the final straw.

Yet the young Argentine delivered an impressive performance over the 2024/25 season. Garnacho featured in 58 matches across all competitions, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists. At just 20 years of age and early in his career, he consistently influenced the forward line with goals and assists.

The Athletic, closely monitoring the situation, reports that Garnacho is open to leaving the team and does not wish to move outside the Premier League. This puts Chelsea in a stronger strategic position.

Back in January, Garnacho’s representatives attended matches at Stamford Bridge and held informal talks with club officials. According to both The Telegraph and The Athletic, these discussions remained unofficial and did not lead to an agreement at the time. However, as the summer window approaches, the conditions have shifted — Chelsea’s interest continues, and the groundwork is now more favourable.

Meanwhile, recent social media posts of the Argentine player wearing an Aston Villa shirt have been interpreted by the public as a “departure signal.” The Telegraph reports that internal club evaluations no longer consider Garnacho among the “untouchable” players. The Athletic’s analysis also reveals that manager Ruben Amorim does not prioritise Garnacho in his plans. These developments indicate that United’s management is no longer as resolute about the player’s future as before.

Garnacho is under contract with Manchester United until 2028, which means any deal would likely involve a substantial fee.

Nkunku failed to settle at Chelsea: United closely monitoring

Christopher Nkunku’s arrival at Chelsea was met with huge expectations and fanfare. However, a season that began with injuries continued with inconsistency. The French star played in 43 matches across all competitions during the 2024/25 season, scoring 13 goals and providing 4 assists. But he spent much of that time on the bench, mostly coming on as a substitute.

He joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth around £52 million, heightening expectations and placing further pressure on his adaptation.

Not featuring in the UEFA Conference League final further increased the uncertainty surrounding his role at Chelsea. Coaching staff changes and intense squad competition made it difficult for Nkunku to find his rhythm.

French media are following the process closely, mirroring the coverage in England. Foot Mercato reported that Manchester United have established direct contact with Nkunku’s management team and inquired about his transfer situation. The report states that United view Nkunku as a “rebootable project” and value his versatility.

L’Équipe adds that Amorim is looking for offensive players who can adapt to different roles within his system, with Nkunku being assessed in that context. The French newspaper also reports that while the player does not wish to completely leave the Premier League, he is open to negotiations if his role is clarified.

A process not yet official but strategically evolving

So far, neither Chelsea nor United have made an official offer. However, according to joint analyses by The Telegraph and The Athletic, both clubs are shaping their plans with mutual consideration. Garnacho’s departure could accelerate the Nkunku transfer — and vice versa: if the French player is listed for sale, United may fast-track the Garnacho process.

This is not a direct swap, but the players’ roles, recent form, and club strategies appear to align in a way that makes each move mutually beneficial.

This summer could mark a defining crossroads in both careers.