After agreeing on a deal for Jadon Sancho to move to Stamford Bridge last summer, Chelsea and Manchester United have a good relationship and could reach another agreement for another player this window.
It’s no secret — the Red Devils have to sell at least one high-profile player to comply with the Premier League’s rules on Profit and Sustainability (PSR).
Sir Jim Ratcliffe prefers to offload a player like Alejandro Garnacho because of the potential profit margin that comes with selling a homegrown talent.
And while there are no guarantees the Argentine leaves Old Trafford this window, the Red Devils have been linked with completing a swap deal.
Frank Leboeuf baffled by latest transfer talk
Chelsea would love to sign Garnacho but might have to settle for a player-swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku.
Despite Enzo Maresca saying Nkunku is in his plans, the Frenchman hasn’t had much playing time and could be open to leaving London. Consequently, Nkunku has become a target for Manchester United and could be Marcus Rashford’s replacement.
The suggestion of Nkunku moving to Old Trafford has baffled former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf though.
The 57-year-old, who lifted four major trophies during his five years at Chelsea, has urged Nkunku not to make the switch and has even threatened him with the silent treatment if he does.
“I got to tell you, if Nkunku goes to Manchester United, I don’t talk to him anymore. I don’t get it,” Leboeuf told ESPN.
-Fans wondering the same
Although clubs are sometimes forced to get creative with their transfer business, a potential swap for Garnacho and Nkunku makes little sense, for both teams.
Garnacho is adored at United. After learning he could leave, supporters at Old Trafford in mid-week for United’s 2-1 win against Rangers were heard singing Garnacho’s name loudly.
While fans may just about be able to stomach the young South American leaving for financial reasons, there is no way they will accept him moving to a direct rival, especially if it means receiving an unwanted player in return.
For Nkunku, while a move to Manchester United may appeal to him, Chelsea’s pursuit of Garnacho raises more questions than it provides answers.
| Chelsea Wingers | Age | Position |
| Mykhale Mudryk | 24 | Left Winger |
| JADON SANCHO | 24 | Left Winger |
| Tyrique George | 18 | Left Winger |
| Felix | 25 | Left Winger |
| Call Maduyke | 22 | Right Winger |
| Pedro Neto | 24 | Right Winger |
Although Mykhailo Mudryk faces possible suspension, the Blues are still stacked with wingers — they have five in their first team — six if you include Joao Felix.
As shown, not only does Maresca have a wealth of wide-attacking talent at his disposal, most of them play on the left — the same side as Garnacho — which makes their pursuit even more mind-bending.
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