Shock transfer twist as Man United and Chelsea consider sending Alejandro Garnacho and Christopher Nkunku in opposite directions | OneFootball

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly exploring potential moves involving Alejandro Garnacho and Christopher Nkunku heading in opposite directions.

Garnacho appears to have no future at United, with his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim believed to be in tatters.

Tensions between the two had been brewing throughout the 2024/25 season and ultimately came to a head in the aftermath of United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Unhappy with Amorim’s decision to name him on the bench for the contest, Garnacho slammed the Portuguese coach in public while also casting doubts over his future at Old Trafford.

Amorim subsequently told the player to find a new club as his services are no longer needed.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Garnacho is keen to remain in the Premier League, despite links to Napoli, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Al-Nassr.

Meanwhile, much like Garnacho at United, Nkunku’s time at Chelsea also seems to be coming to an end.

The Frenchman joined the Blues in a £52.7m move back in 2023 after starring in Germany with RB Leipzig. But an injury slowed down his start to life at Stamford Bridge and he has since been unable to cement a regular starting berth under Enzo Maresca.

Nkunku is eager to leave Stamford Bridge and there have been claims that United could be his next transfer destination.

It recently emerged that the Red Devils have made contact with Nkunku’s camp over a potential summer deal.

Now, in a shocking transfer twist, Matt Law of The Telegraph has revealed that United and Chelsea are looking at potentially doing deals that would see the two players move in opposite directions.

According to Law, “Nkunku and Garnacho both want to quit their respective clubs and the prospect of them trading places has not been ruled out, although there is no expectation of a swap deal being negotiated.”

“Separate transfers involving Nkunku and Garnacho moving in opposite directions would solve headaches for both United and Chelsea, but the clubs are yet to hold direct talks on the matter this summer.”

The report adds that Garnacho is “expected to jump at the chance” to sign for Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Nkunku is well known to United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, from their time together at Leipzig.

Nkunku scored 14 goals in 43 matches last season, but only three came in the league.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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