Chelsea are poised to make a formal offer for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho as the summer transfer window progresses. The club has maintained a keen interest in Garnacho and is also targeting another young talent, Simons, contingent on freeing up squad space.

The Telegraph has reported that Chelsea conducted thorough background investigations on Garnacho, examining his personal conduct off the pitch. The findings revealed no concerns, clearing the path for Chelsea to move forward with a bid this month.

Simons remains Chelsea’s primary target following their agreement to sign Jorrel Hato, but the club faces the necessity of player sales before securing additional signings. Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja are among those likely to depart, while Nicolas Jackson could also be moved if the price is right. Manchester United has expressed some interest in Jackson but dismisses any swap deal involving Garnacho.

Meanwhile, young talents Marc Guiu and Tyrique George are set for loan spells to gain valuable senior match experience, with Guiu heading to Sunderland.

Garnacho, 21, has been clear throughout the summer about his wish to stay within the Premier League. Chelsea is currently his preferred destination, putting them ahead of competing interest from Aston Villa. As Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca looks to shape his squad, the addition of Garnacho could add depth and energy on the wings.

Chelsea have arranged a season-long loan for midfielder Kendry Páez at their sister club Strasbourg for the 2025–26 campaign. This move aims to advance Páez’s development in Ligue 1. Páez is the third Chelsea player to join Strasbourg on loan this summer, following defender Mamadou Sarr and goalkeeper Mike Penders, marking the full quota of loan players permitted.

In addition to these loan deals, Strasbourg has secured young defender Ishé Samuels-Smith from Chelsea on a permanent transfer for £6.5 million ($8.7 million). The 19-year-old left-back, also capable of playing centrally, joins a squad that already includes former Chelsea player Diego Moreira. Earlier this transfer window, Mathis Amougou made his permanent move to Strasbourg, continuing the collaborative flow of talent between the clubs.

The exchange extends beyond players as Filipe Coelho has departed from his position as Chelsea’s Under-21 manager after just one season to take on the assistant manager role at Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea’s strategy of loaning talents to Strasbourg has shown success. Last season’s loan midfield star Andrey Santos impressed with standout performances and high-profile transfer interest but will remain at Strasbourg this season. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović’s loan stint led to a move to Bournemouth, and American left-back Caleb Wiley’s injuries limited his stint, leading to a subsequent loan at Watford.

This ongoing partnership reflects Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing young talent through strategic placements in competitive environments, while facilitating Strasbourg’s squad strengthening through both loans and permanent signings.

Manchester United have made it clear they are not interested in a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, despite ongoing speculation. Reports suggest Chelsea remain keen on Garnacho, yet United have no intention of including Jackson as part of an exchange.

Jackson’s performance last season, marked by 13 goals in all competitions, has fallen short of expectations for a striker entering his prime. Additionally, his disciplinary record, including multiple recent send-offs, has caused frustration amongst Chelsea supporters.

Instead of pursuing Jackson, Manchester United are focused on alternative striker options. Earlier in the week, the club reportedly narrowed their list to two frontmen: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško. By midweek, Šeško emerged as the sole preferred target, with progress reportedly accelerating partly due to competition from Newcastle United, who may soon need a new striker themselves if Alexander Isak departs.

Watkins, while more established with five Premier League seasons at Aston Villa and England international experience, is considered a cheaper but older option, likely providing only a short-term solution.