Chelsea will sign Alejandro Garnacho from Man Utd when two transfers activate deal

Now that the Premier League is back underway, Alejandro Garnacho must be sitting in his home gym - customised with images of his idols, including Cristiano Ronaldo - twiddling his thumbs. Garnacho's desire to join Chelsea after an exile imposed by Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is one of football's current worst-kept secrets.

The 21-year-old winger has been patiently waiting for his move to Stamford Bridge, declining all other interest while sharing occasional social media posts showcasing his summer grind. He will need to be ready to get going if and when he seals his switch, considering the season is already up and running.

But one significant sticking point remains. Chelsea believe they can swipe up Garnacho for a cut-price fee, the longer they leave their push until the deadline.

United, meanwhile, are determined to secure a fair price for the academy graduate, and they value him higher than the £30million their rivals are currently prepared to pay.

Garnacho remaining in Manchester until January is not yet out of the question. The Red Devils must improve their reputation as competent sellers.

They are holding firm on their £50m valuation of the Argentina international, and it appears that Chelsea will have to raise funds if they are to meet those demands.

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According to the Telegraph, the Blues plan to accelerate their pursuit of Garnacho and RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons once they sell Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

It's claimed that the exit of one or both wantaway forwards would open the door for a deal, so it may be a waiting game until then.

Nkunku and Jackson are two of eight players Enzo Maresca reportedly wants to offload before the summer deadline.

Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Tyrique George are also on the chopping block.

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United need to generate funds through player sales but are also likely to cash in on Antony, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund.

Garnacho is under contract until 2028, strengthening United's negotiating position. He will not leave on the cheap.

But he will also be desperate to avoid spending the next several months on the periphery of Ruben Amorim's squad, should a Chelsea switch not formalise.

The Blues know what they need to do to trigger a move, but the clock is ticking.