Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal for one of Manchester United’s targets, which could lead to Alejandro Garnacho’s sale.
Bayern Munich are now prioritising a move for Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, according to TeamTalk, with the Bundesliga side pushing hard to secure the France international in a deal worth around £40 million.
Manchester United had been monitoring Nkunku as a potential summer option, but they now risk missing out unless Chelsea choose to delay talks.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but he remains highly rated, and Bayern believe they can revive his best form. United were believed to be weighing up a rival bid, but the report suggests Bayern are now firmly in the lead for the signature.
United’s priority remains an out-and-out striker who can lead the line, though the growing uncertainty at Chelsea surrounding the French attacker could swing things in their favour as United must now sell to buy after landing Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford in recent days.
Despite the transfer window still having weeks to run, it appears Nkunku could be one of the first major exits from Stamford Bridge this summer, but the knock-on effect could impact United in more ways than one.
Chelsea may sell Nkunku to fund Garnacho move
A recent report elsewhere suggests Chelsea’s interest in United winger Alejandro Garnacho is serious, but financial restrictions under FFP rules mean they would likely need to sell before making a formal approach. Selling Nkunku to Bayern Munich would be the quickest way to raise funds and open the door to a bid for Garnacho.
The Argentine has been a standout performer at times for United and is seen as a future star at both club and international level.
Chelsea’s admiration is clear, but whether United would even entertain an offer from a Premier League rival is another matter entirely. That said, money talks and if Chelsea meet United’s valuation, the Red Devils may face a tough decision.
If Nkunku is sacrificed, Chelsea will likely frame it as part of a wider rebuild under Enzo Maresca, who is focused on younger, more durable talents. Garnacho fits the profile perfectly. Energetic, risk-taking, and full of potential. It’s a strategy that echoes Chelsea’s move for Cole Palmer a few seasons ago.
Unfortunately for Garnacho, his time at United appears to be coming to an end. Off-field issues have plagued this past season for the winger, with the comments made after the cup final appearing to be the last straw for Ruben Amorim.
There is no future for Garnacho at United
Earlier today, Manchester United confirmed their travelling squad for the USA pre-season tour, and there were three notable omissions. Garnacho, along with Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, has been left out of the group heading to face Premier League opposition in the Summer Series.
While the club has remained tight-lipped, Garnacho’s absence has only fuelled the speculation that his time at Old Trafford is nearing its end.
Tensions between Garnacho and Amorim are believed to have escalated dramatically following United’s cup final appearance. The Argentine made veiled comments about the team’s approach and his role in the squad during a post-match interview, which did not sit well with the manager.
It has been suggested that Amorim views the winger’s attitude as disruptive and is ready to move on without him, regardless of the potential he offers.
What’s added further confusion for fans is Garnacho’s behaviour off the pitch. Over the summer, the 20-year-old has liked several anti-United posts on social media, including ones criticising Amorim’s tactics and Erik ten Hag’s previous handling of the dressing room.
Just weeks ago, he was also pictured wearing an Aston Villa shirt while on holiday, an image that quickly went viral and sparked frustration among United supporters for all the wrong reasons.
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