Arsenal’s transfer window strategy has taken another dramatic twist after the club decided to pull the plug on a potential move for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. The £50 million-rated Argentine star had been linked with a switch to the Emirates earlier this summer, but following extensive internal reviews and scouting reports, the Gunners have made a decisive U-turn.
The winger’s availability had generated significant interest across Europe after reports emerged that new United manager, Ruben Amorim, was open to offloading him. Garnacho’s frustration at being left out of the Europa League final against Tottenham reportedly triggered his decision to explore a move away from Old Trafford, with his representatives holding conversations with multiple clubs.
At just 21, Garnacho has already built a reputation as one of the most electrifying young attackers in the Premier League. His pace, flair, and ability to decide matches in moments of brilliance made him a tempting target for Arsenal, who have been keen on adding another dynamic option in wide areas. In 144 appearances for the Red Devils, he has produced 26 goals and 22 assists — impressive numbers for a player still in the early stages of his career.
However, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News, Arsenal’s recruitment team conducted detailed “due diligence” on Garnacho before ultimately stepping back. Concerns around his fit within Mikel Arteta’s tactical structure and long-term squad planning appear to have swayed the decision. Instead of pursuing Garnacho, Arsenal have shifted their focus elsewhere, securing Noni Madueke from Chelsea and weighing a potential bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
This decision is also influenced by Arsenal’s broader transfer vision. Arteta, alongside sporting director Andrea Berta, is seeking versatile attackers who can seamlessly rotate between central and wide roles. While Garnacho is a natural winger, Eze offers flexibility as both an attacking midfielder and a left-sided forward, giving the Gunners more variety in their attacking schemes.
Interestingly, Tottenham Hotspur — Arsenal’s fierce North London rivals — were also linked with Garnacho. However, Spurs appear to be directing their resources toward negotiating with Manchester City for Savinho, the Brazilian forward who has been on their radar. Atletico Madrid, Garnacho’s former club, briefly considered re-signing him but instead opted for Spain international Alex Baena from Villarreal, suggesting the winger’s market options may be narrowing.
Despite the cooling interest from Arsenal and Spurs, Chelsea remain strongly in the race. Transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti has claimed that the Blues have already reached personal terms with Garnacho, with the Argentine expressing a clear desire to join them this summer. Chelsea, who see him as a marquee signing to rejuvenate their frontline, are optimistic that they can strike a deal before the window closes.
Manchester United’s valuation remains a sticking point. The Red Devils are holding out for around £50 million, though Chelsea are confident they can push the price down to around £35 million. United, however, are under pressure to resolve Garnacho’s situation quickly, with the transfer deadline looming on September 1. Former United defender John O’Kane has even urged his old club to “stand firm” on their valuation, pointing to Nottingham Forest’s recent £35 million move for James McAtee as a benchmark that should only strengthen Garnacho’s case.
For Arsenal, the decision to move away from Garnacho highlights the ruthlessness of their current transfer policy. Arteta has shown he will not take risks on players who may not perfectly align with his vision, even when they are immensely talented. The club’s hierarchy is determined to build a squad capable of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title, and that requires meticulous decision-making in the market.
Last season, Garnacho still enjoyed plenty of game time under Erik ten Hag, making 58 appearances and registering 11 goals and 10 assists. Yet under Amorim, his role appears diminished, leaving his Old Trafford future uncertain. Whether he ultimately finds himself in West London with Chelsea or elsewhere remains to be seen, but Arsenal’s withdrawal has reshaped the landscape of one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas.
As things stand, the Gunners are redirecting their focus to deals that they believe can deliver immediate impact and long-term value. Meanwhile, Garnacho finds himself at a crossroads in his young career, with Chelsea emerging as the frontrunners to rescue him from an unsettled spell at Manchester United.
