Manchester United Eyeing Huge Swap Deal
Manchester United is exploring the possibility of an unexpected swap deal this summer. Reports suggest Alejandro Garnacho could be heading to Chelsea while Nicolas Jackson moves in the opposite direction. The move reflects the changing priorities of both clubs as they work to rebuild their squads and stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Garnacho’s Time At Old Trafford Is Unraveling
A year ago, Alejandro Garnacho looked like the future of Manchester United’s attack. Now, the Argentine winger finds himself training away from the first team, alongside other sidelined players like Jadon Sancho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Tyrell Malacia. It’s a dramatic fall from grace, and it seems the 20-year-old is ready to move on.
Sources close to the club have confirmed that Garnacho has asked to leave this summer, frustrated with his situation under new Head Coach Ruben Amorim. While the club had previously been reluctant to let him go, the financial reality of the PSR has changed things. Garnacho, as an academy product, represents profit on the books. For a club trying to raise funds, that matters.
Initially, United set his price at £60 million, but it didn’t take long for them to realize that figure would scare off most suitors. Tottenham and Aston Villa have both shown interest, with Villa even exploring a possible £70 million package, but talks have not progressed. United is now believed to be open to lowering its asking price to around £50 million. While interest has come from abroad too, including Atletico Madrid and Napoli, it is understood that Garnacho wants to stay in the Premier League. That’s where Chelsea comes in.
Jackson Slipping Down the Ranks At Chelsea
Over at Stamford Bridge, Nicolas Jackson finds himself in a difficult position. Despite scoring 24 Premier League goals over the last two seasons, his place in the starting XI is under serious threat. The arrivals of João Pedro and Liam Delap have pushed Jackson down the pecking order, and with Chelsea still linked to other forwards, his minutes could be even more limited this season.
Chelsea, like United, is also navigating PSR compliance. They’ve slapped a £60 million price tag on Jackson, but with competition growing and no guarantees of regular football, it’s expected that they may be forced to lower their demands as the window goes on.
United, meanwhile, are watching closely. With Rasmus Højlund still developing and a clear lack of firepower up front, Jackson is emerging as a serious option. His pace, physicality, and ability to stretch defences make him a natural fit for Amorim’s high-energy system.
A Deal That Makes Sense For Both Sides
At this stage, no formal offers have been made, but there’s a growing sense that a direct player exchange could be the simplest solution. It’s a move that could suit everyone involved. United would get a decent striker who has had his fair share of underwhelming moments but has also shown what he can do. This can happen without dipping too heavily into their transfer budget, and Chelsea would land a promising young winger who fits their long-term philosophy.
Financially, it’s also a tidy solution. Both clubs benefit in the books without needing to make huge cash outlays. That said, Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho isn’t entirely straightforward. It remains to be seen whether they’ll circle back since they’ve bought Gittens from Dortmund. Garnacho officially becomes available at a reduced price.
For United, Jackson is far from their only target. They’ve looked at other attacking options. Bryan Mbeumo and Charles De Ketelaere, among them, but none have been nailed down. Jackson ticks a lot of boxes, and if Chelsea is open to negotiation, things could move quickly.
Final Thoughts
The next few weeks will be telling. If Garnacho continues to push for an exit and Chelsea decides to part ways with Jackson, momentum around this potential swap could build quickly. For now, the clubs remain in the “monitoring” stage, but the pieces are all on the board. From the players’ perspective, the move could offer much-needed clarity. Garnacho would get a fresh start and a new stage to show what he can do. Jackson would join a side in need of goals, with a clear path to starting every week.
