Man Utd could land £60m Chelsea striker in swap deal for Garnacho

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a sensational player swap that would see Alejandro Garnacho move to Stamford Bridge and Christopher Nkunku head to Old Trafford.

According to multiple sources, both clubs have held early informal discussions about the idea, with the proposal gaining traction due to the current dynamics surrounding each player.

Garnacho enjoyed a thrilling campaign under Erik ten Hag, but questions have emerged about his future role under new manager Rúben Amorim.

The 19-year-old was United’s second-highest goal contributor behind Bruno Fernandes and remains a fan favourite, but recent comments suggest Amorim may prefer a different profile of wide forward for his system.

On the other side, Nkunku’s move to Chelsea has yet to hit full stride. After arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, the Frenchman has struggled with injuries and limited minutes.

When fit, he’s shown glimpses of the dynamic attacking threat that earned him a €60 million move — but with Chelsea’s front line stacked, his pathway into Enzo Maresca’s first XI remains unclear.

The potential deal would be a rare Premier League player-for-player swap, and though both players are rated highly by their current clubs, the shift in tactical demands — and financial constraints at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge — could make it an attractive option.

From United’s perspective, Nkunku would offer versatility, capable of playing as a No.10, second striker, or wide forward. His technical skillset may better suit Amorim’s positional play, particularly in a system reliant on intelligent movement and fluid combinations.

Meanwhile, Chelsea would gain one of England’s most promising young wingers in Garnacho — a player whose fearless directness could thrive under Maresca’s high-possession blueprint.

As of now, no formal negotiations have taken place, but talks are expected to intensify if Rashford or Sancho leave, freeing up Garnacho’s spot and wage room.

Whether this is clever strategy or just speculative talk, it’s a story worth watching closely — it could shape the future of two of England’s biggest clubs.