“Sources close to the situation…”: United eyeing blockbuster coup for Chelsea’s “best player” in return for Garnacho – report

Manchester United fans will be disappointed if the club sell Alejandro Garnacho this January but they could get a highly-rated Premier League star in return if latest reports are anything to go by.

The Argentine’s signature is being chased by Napoli and Chelsea and the race is set to go down to the wire with the Naples-outfit seeing their most recent offer get rejected.

Antonio Conte’s side do not want to exceed the €55 million mark while the Red Devils want as much as €80 million from the Serie A side for their 20-year-old wonderkid.

While strengthening a direct domestic rival is something INEOS do not want to do, their hand could be forced due to rising PSR concerns.

Chelsea want Garnacho

But they have slapped a separate and more costly price tag on the Argentina international in case the Blues want to complete a deal, with United set to ask for as much as £80 million.

Not only that, as per The Independent, United have also asked for Chelsea’s highly-rated young centre-back Joshua Acheampong in return.

“Those close to Garnacho maintain that the winger is preparing to leave Old Trafford this weekend, but there may yet be a battle for his signing.

“Chelsea have long been interested, but sources close to the situation say there is still considerable negotiation.

“It is understood that the possibility of one of Chelsea’s younger players – such as Joshua Acheampong – going in the other direction has also been raised.”

Acheampong is only 18 and has already appeared six times for the Chelsea first-team, including five appearances under Enzo Maresca this term.

He put in an accomplished performance against Crystal Palace with the Blues boss lavishing praise on the right-footed defender.

United want Joshua Acheampong in return

“I think Josh was our best player. Because of the age, because it was the first game. Josh for me can be a top player for this club, but he needs the right path, the right moment,” Maresca was quoted as saying by The Metro.

The England U19 international can play as a right-back as well as centre-back and INEOS’ interest shows how highly-rated he is.

Recently, the club completed an astonishing swoop for former Arsenal centre-back Ayden Heaven and Acheampong could follow suit.

The new co-owners are certainly ramping up youth recruitment and if they pull this off, it would be quite the coup.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social