Man Utd 'slash' Alejandro Garnacho asking price but one thing could block him from joining Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho is one of a number of names on Chelsea's transfer shortlist this summer but a move for the Manchester United outcast will not be straightforward.

Garnacho is set to be omitted from Manchester United's pre-season tour of the USA having asked to leave the club and been frozen out of first-team training. The Argentine has fallen out of favour with manager Ruben Amorim and his sale would provide United with valuable funds under the Profit and Sustainability Rules having come through their academy.

And he has now emerged as a target for Chelsea, who have already signed Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Liam Delap in forward areas this summer and are also being linked with RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons. Chelsea, like United, also have a group of forwards up for transfer as Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix have been told they are free to find new clubs.

Garnacho played in United's post-season tour in May but is set to miss their summer tour of the USA. (Image: Getty)

According to ESPN, Chelsea are monitoring Garnacho's status at United ahead of a possible approach having learned the Old Trafford club are willing to accept a much lower transfer fee to sell him. Having previously wanted £70 million for their homegrown academy graduate, the report claims United will now accept as low as £40 million for Garnacho in a bid to get him off their books this summer.

Garnacho has three years remaining on the contract he signed in 2023 and has almost 150 senior appearances. Aston Villa are also said to be interested in his signing, as are a handful of Saudi Pro League clubs.

Garnacho could be a replacement for Noni Madueke at Chelsea. (Image: Getty)

However, Garnacho is reported to prioritise a Premier League move, handing Chelsea a potential advantage if they were to make their interest more concrete. Yet for that to happen, ESPN say Chelsea must sell two players to make room in their bloated squad.

They name winger Christopher Nkunku and striker Nicolas Jackson as the two Blues forwards who could leave to accommodate Garnacho's arrival. Nkunku has reportedly been made available for transfer just two years after moving to Stamford Bridge and featuring in their Club World Cup success, while Jackson's two-year stint could also end this summer. He has been linked with United which could open up a potential scenario where Jackson and Garnacho move in the opposite directions - although Chelsea are said to value Jackson as high as £100 million. United are reportedly tracking Jackson and admire the Senegal international, who has 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues.