Napoli talks with Man Utd over Garnacho transfer hit transfer fee hurdle

Manchester United and Napoli are in talks over a January transfer for Alejandro Garnacho have officially begun.

It us understood that United though have placed an unexpectedly high transfer fee on the Argentine.

Napoli is actively seeking a high-impact replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is expected to complete a move to PSG in the coming weeks.

The Georgian star has reportedly agreed to a lucrative deal with PSG, quadrupling his current wages.

While the French club is attempting to negotiate a slight discount on Napoli’s €80m valuation, the Italian club appears resigned to letting Kvaratskhelia go.

In preparation for his departure, Napoli manager Antonio Conte has identified Garnacho, 20, as the top candidate to fill the void.

SportItalia recently suggested that a fee of €50m (£42m) might be sufficient to secure Garnacho’s services.

However, Corriere dello Sport has provided a fresh update, claiming United has set a significantly higher asking price.

According to the report, Manchester United’s starting valuation for Garnacho exceeds €70m, with a range of £60m-£65m.

While it remains uncertain whether Napoli is willing to meet this price, they will have the financial flexibility to negotiate following Kvaratskhelia’s likely departure to PSG.

Notably, direct discussions between Manchester United and Napoli regarding Garnacho have already commenced.

United are open to selling Garnacho and fellow academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo—but only for offers that are impossible to refuse.

Unlike Marcus Rashford, who is actively being shopped, Garnacho is not being pushed out of the club.

The primary motivation behind entertaining such sales stems from the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

With manager Ruben Amorim looking to overhaul the squad, United must sell players to generate funds.

Proceeds from selling homegrown talents like Garnacho, Mainoo, or Rashford are classified as "pure profit" in financial reports, significantly boosting the club’s spending power.

This could help address key areas of need, such as wing-back positions and striker.

Meanwhile, TuttoJuve reports that Manchester United is seriously considering a move for Lille striker Jonathan David.

The Canadian forward, whose contract expires this summer, is not available for a mid-season transfer.

United is expected to pursue a pre-contract agreement to secure him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Additionally, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United is open to offers for left-back Tyrell Malacia.

Romano wrote on social media:"Tyrell Malacia could leave Man Utd now if a good proposal arrives, even on an initial loan with a buy clause. However, there are no talks with Italian club Como, despite reports."

As the transfer window heats up, United’s willingness to sell Garnacho will depend on whether Napoli or another club can meet their steep valuation.