European giant have now “officially given up” on signing £80m Manchester United star with Rúben Amorim delighted

Rúben Amorim has been dealt fantastic news as one European giant have “officially given up” in their pursuit of an £80 million-rated Manchester United star this month.

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

Rúben Amorim’s side have started 2025 positively, winning five of their seven matches, though a 3-1 defeat to Brighton remains a blemish on their record.

While reinforcements are needed at left-back, in midfield, and in attack, United’s transfer activity had been slow. However, the club have now reportedly secured deals for Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, both set to strengthen Amorim’s defensive ranks.

Amorim has expressed his desire to retain most of his squad, but United are still prepared to move players on before the window closes. Loan deals are expected to dominate the departures, with Antony already completing a temporary switch to Real Betis for the rest of the season.

Napoli give up on Garnacho pursuit

The only player who looked like he may be sold this month is Alejandro Garnacho, who had been garnering intense interest from both Napoli and Chelsea in the last few weeks.

However, RAI journalist Ciro Venerato, via Area Napoli, said the Serie A giants have officially given up in their pursuit of the 20-year-old and instead are looking to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia through other means.

“Napoli officially gives up on Garnacho. There is no agreement with Manchester United. Manna turns to other profiles,” Venerato explained.

Napoli had been trying to low-ball United into accepting an offer that was deemed well below their asking price, reportedly explaining that the maximum they would be prepared to offer is £42 million despite United asking for upwards of £60 million.

As explained by Sport Witness, it was believed in Italy that Garnacho was willing to accept their terms for a transfer and even apply pressure on United to accept a lower offer, although this has clearly not materialised.

Earlier this week, Amorim explained that he feels Garnacho is a very talented player and would love to keep him on the side, so Napoli’s final decision on the young winger will come as great news to the head coach.

United hand a new valuation to Chelsea

At the same time, reports from France have claimed that in polar opposite to Napoli’s stance, Premier League side Chelsea are set to intensify their interest in the Argentina international and make a play for him.

Read More: “Really poor…” Manchester United stars ripped into despite FCSB win as Rúben Amorim handed 3/10 verdict

However, the report states United have now said that, with just days left in the window, they now value Garnacho as an £80 million player, and after his fine form across the last two weeks, it’s hard to argue so.

Chelsea are said to not be put off by this figure as they expected fresh cash to arrive soon due to the sale of French forward Christopher Nkunku amid interest from Bayern Munich.

However, with Garnacho continuing to work hard on and off the field to improve his rank under Amorim, it feels unlikely that the Academy product will depart Old Trafford before the 3 February deadline.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.