Chelsea and Manchester United have been locked in negotiations for months over Alejandro Garnacho.
The main stumbling block remains the difference in valuation, with Chelsea’s push for the winger being made difficult by United’s steep asking price.
Despite this, Garnacho’s desire to join Chelsea has been made clear, with the Argentine pushing hard for the move to materialise.
United, however, are under pressure to sell, needing to raise funds after splashing close to £200m on new attacking signings this summer.
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According to Ben Jacobs on The United Stand, United are holding firm at around £50m for Garnacho, while Chelsea have rejected suggestions of including Andrey Santos in any potential deal.
The midfielder’s name was raised during discussions, but Chelsea have no interest in selling him, despite United’s admiration.
Santos would certainly represent a strong coup for United if it were ever possible.
His mix of physicality and technical quality makes him a midfielder with huge upside.
After a difficult spell at Nottingham Forest in 2023/24, he truly began to thrive at Strasbourg last season – a club co-owned by Clearlake, Chelsea’s owners.
He showcased his ability to dictate play, score goals, whilst adapting to a competitive European league, under Liam Rosenior.
United’s need for midfield reinforcement only strengthens the appeal.
Manuel Ugarte has yet to convince since arriving, Casemiro is no longer the dominating force he once was, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is now viewed as an unlikely arrival this summer.
In that context, it is no surprise United inquired about a midfielder who has a high ceiling.
But Chelsea’s refusal sums up just how highly they value Santos, viewing him as both a short-term asset and a long-term cornerstone of their project.
Adam Wharton and Morten Hjulmand remain two names on United’s shortlist – although the latter is set to stay at Sporting CP, having been offered a new proposal.
