Chelsea and Manchester United could secure transfer 'swap deal' involving attacking duo

Chelsea are preparing for Enzo Maresca’s second season in charge. The ex-Manchester City coach was appointed as their head coach last year. Prior to his move, he caught the eye at Leicester City and guided the Foxes to the Championship title.

The Blues reached the Champions League places under his guidance in the last campaign. They have also won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup as well. The London outfit have the chance to do some more transfer business this summer to freshen up their ranks.

Chelsea and Manchester United transfer swap deal on the cards

According to i News, Chelsea could be involved in a ‘swap deal’ with league rivals Manchester United in this window. The report claims that the Blues are ‘admirers’ Alejandro Garnacho, whilst the Red Devils are keen on Nicolas Jackson. No bids have been lodged yet but there is ‘interest’ from both sides.

Garnacho, 21, has been on the books at Old Trafford since 2020. Prior to his move to England, he spent time in Spain at Getafe and Atletico Madrid. He has risen into the first-team of his current club over the past few years and has made 144 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 26 goals.

He was handed a contract extension back in 2023 running until 2028. At the time, he said: “When I joined this incredible club, I dreamt of achieving my debut, playing at Old Trafford, scoring my first goal and winning trophies with this badge on my chest. “I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way.

“We are all humbled to have this chance to continue our journey at Manchester United and I have already begun to work on achieving the next set of targets and ambitions. “The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful. I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.”

What now for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea?

Jackson’s future at Chelsea is up in the air at this moment in time. It remains to be seen whether he will still be with the Blues come the start of the next campaign, despite still having plenty of time left on his deal. If he were to leave, getting a player back in return like Garnacho could be a shrewd bit of business.

The Senegal international, who has 20 caps under his belt so far in his career, was snapped up two years ago. He has since played 81 matches and has found the net on 20 occasions. The forward played for Villarreal from 2021 to 2023 and found the net on 13 occasions in 48 outings.

A change of scene may well do him good. United finished down in 15th place last season and could do with boosting their attacking department. They could offer him regular game time but Amorim’s men aren’t in Europe though.