Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea have made contact for Manchester United star, he’s worth £97m

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea have now made contact for one Manchester United star who has a value of £97 million, according to statistical models.

Manchester United are aiming to offload several players during the January transfer window as they look to raise funds ahead of an important summer.

Rúben Amorim’s side made a promising start to 2025, drawing with Liverpool, knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup on penalties, and securing a 3-1 victory over Southampton, with Amad delivering a stunning 12-minute hat-trick. However, their progress was stalled by a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brighton, dampening the team’s mood.

Despite the pressing need for reinforcements at left-back, in midfield, and in attack, United’s activity in the transfer market has been slow.

Amorim has emphasised his wish to keep the core of his squad intact, but the club are prepared to offload several players before the window closes, with loan deals expected to make up the bulk of the departures.

Chelsea make contact with United over Garnacho

Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has been subject to intense interest and speculation across the last three weeks.

Following a report that claimed United would be reluctantly open to a sale for the 20-year-old should the right offer come in, both Napoli and Chelsea have been closely linked with a move in the January window.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Napoli lodged an official bid of £42 million for the player with bonuses included, although United are asking for more.

However, the more interesting claim Romano made is that, in a new development, Premier League rivals Chelsea have now opened talks with both United and Garnacho over a potential transfer.

The player’s agent was at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, but it was subsequently confirmed that this was not linked to Chelsea’s interest.

Having spoken with both parties, Chelsea are now said to be discussing internally whether to launch a bid for the player.

What is Garnacho’s market value

Many reports have claimed to know what United are demanding for their winger, with the general range sitting at between £60-75 million.

However, according to the CIES Football Observatory, Garnacho’s statistical market value sits at around £97 million, making him the club’s second most valuable player behind Rasmus Højlund.

The CEIS model produces a fee based on scientific calculations that take into account a player’s previous values, previous transfer fees, contract length, age, and a number of other statistical values to produce a final number.

Garnacho has three and a half years left on his United contract, but should a realistic bid come in from a club United are willing to sell him to, he may depart this month.

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