Arsenal’s transfer plans have taken another sharp turn after the club decided against pursuing Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine, valued at around £50 million, had been linked with a move to the Emirates earlier in the summer, but following extensive scouting and internal review, the Gunners have backed away.
Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford has been uncertain since new United boss Ruben Amorim signaled a willingness to sell. The 21-year-old, reportedly frustrated by his omission from the Europa League final against Tottenham, had begun exploring options, with his representatives sounding out clubs across Europe.
Despite his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young attackers — registering 26 goals and 22 assists in 144 United appearances — Arsenal concluded he was not the right tactical fit for Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans. Instead, the club has already secured Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and is weighing a move for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who offers greater positional flexibility across the forward line.
The decision reflects Arsenal’s broader recruitment vision under Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta: targeting versatile, multifunctional attackers rather than out-and-out wingers. Eze, capable of playing both centrally and wide, fits that mould better than Garnacho.
Elsewhere, Tottenham were briefly linked but have shifted focus to Manchester City’s Savinho, while Atletico Madrid also passed on a potential reunion, instead signing Alex Baena from Villarreal. That leaves Chelsea as Garnacho’s leading suitors. Reports suggest the Blues have already agreed personal terms with the winger, who is keen on a Stamford Bridge switch, though United’s £50m valuation remains a hurdle. Chelsea are expected to negotiate closer to £35m.
United face pressure to resolve the matter before the September 1 deadline. Former defender John O’Kane has urged the club to stand firm, citing Nottingham Forest’s £35m signing of James McAtee as evidence Garnacho’s price should not be lowered.
For Arsenal, stepping away underlines their determination to remain disciplined in the market, prioritising players who align perfectly with Arteta’s project as they aim to close the gap on Manchester City. Garnacho, meanwhile, is left at a career crossroads, with Chelsea now positioned as the frontrunners to secure his signature.
