Top News

Alejandro Garnacho has already told friends that he is joining Chelsea before the summer transfer deadline, according to reports. The Blues are locked in negotiations with Manchester United over a transfer fee, but there is currently a large gap in both clubs' valuations of the 21-year-old winger.

United want a fee in the region of £50million, using Noni Madueke's £52m move to Arsenal from Stamford Bridge as a yardstick. However, Chelsea are not currently looking to go above £30m with their offer, which has drawn out the saga that could rumble on until the deadline.

Garnacho has remained patient as he continues his exile away from Ruben Amorim's squad, joining Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.

According to talkSPORT, the United academy graduate is so confident that he will finally seal his Chelsea switch, he has told those close to him that the move will happen.

The report adds that Chelsea chiefs have told Garnacho to bide his time as they prepare to accelerate club-to-club talks over his signature.

He is believed to have already reached an agreement on personal terms, so a transfer would go through quickly if United accept an offer.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

Garnacho is said to be willing to continue training away from Amorim's squad until at least January if he doesn't seal a Chelsea switch this summer.

It's claimed that the Argentina international has rejected rival interest from Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

He has his sights set on working with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, despite the west London outfit's continued attacking investment.

They have already splashed out around £55m to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer. Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Estevao have also joined the firepower.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Chelsea will believe that their chances of striking a cut-price deal for Garnacho will increase the larger the transfer deadline looms.

United are said to require player sales after a £208m outlay on attacking trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Amorim also wants a midfielder and a goalkeeper, but is unlikely to recruit either without generating further funds.

Garnacho's exit could free up the space required to complete some late business, but United are desperate to improve their track record at selling players.