Report: Chelsea push for Alejandro Garnacho with Nicolas Jackson-Christopher Nkunku swap offer

The Blues are keen to bolster their attacking options, while United are focused on raising funds to reshape their squad under manager Ruben Amorim.

United have made it clear they want to offload several players this summer, including Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia. The Red Devils have already welcomed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, leaving no room for Garnacho, who clashed with Amorim late last season.

The 21-year-old Argentine winger, once seen as a bright prospect, has struggled for consistency, scoring 24 goals and providing 22 assists in 144 appearances for United.

The Athletic reported that Chelsea have offered Jackson and Nkunku as part of negotiations to lower United's 45 million pound asking price for Garnacho. "Chelsea are holding tight on Garnacho, offering trades on players they no longer need, including Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku," the outlet noted.

This move could help United fund their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, a top target to strengthen their attack.

Jackson, a 24-year-old Senegalese striker, has scored 30 goals in 81 matches since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, but faces competition from new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Nkunku, a 27-year-old French attacking midfielder, has struggled for regular minutes under Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, managing 15 goals last season despite injury setbacks. Both players could offer United the firepower they need, especially with Rasmus Hojlund's modest return of four Premier League goals last term.

However, valuation differences pose a challenge. Chelsea reportedly value Jackson at 80 million pounds, while United's price for Garnacho has dropped from 70 million to 40 million pounds, according to ESPN.

Posts on X from @FabrizioRomano highlighted United's interest in Jackson, with internal talks ongoing about a potential swap. Chelsea's long-standing admiration for Garnacho, coupled with their need for wingers after Noni Madueke's expected move to Arsenal, fuels their pursuit.

Aston Villa have also been linked with Garnacho, but former defender Richard Dunne expressed doubts about his fit. "Garnacho should be the poster boy for Manchester United, but he needs to let his football do the talking," Dunne said. "He's got potential, but he doesn't score or assist enough. If Unai Emery can coach him, there could be a very good player there, but he's not the answer for Villa right now."

Napoli's interest in Garnacho has cooled due to United's high valuation, leaving Chelsea in pole position. With the transfer window closing on September 1, both clubs are under pressure to finalize deals that balance squad needs and financial regulations.

A swap could prove a win-win, offering Garnacho a fresh start and United much-needed attacking depth.